Liverpool have been plagued with injuries this season, but the news that Alexander Isak will be back for business at the end of the season is an incredible boost for a club whose season is in jeopardy.
Last year, FSG gave the go-ahead for a major summer transfer change. The single-window spend of £450m was more than anything ever seen in football, even though large sums of revenue were also banked.
However, the new players, despite Hugo Ekitike, were not consistent in the first few months of the season. The fact that Liverpool signed Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt for £79 million, while Isak’s leg injury in December was not detrimental, makes the Sweden international a cut above the rest.
We are yet to see the 26-year-old at his best, but the Anfield side have secured one of the best players in the world and are already looking to repeat the trick.
Liverpool prepare to raid next Isaac
While Liverpool’s summer spending leaves something to be desired, the ingredients for long-term success are in place and there is certainly no need for sporting director Richard Hughes to invest in another striker.
However, the Reds are missing something in central midfield, with Alexis Mac Allister struggling to form and Curtis Jones having sending-off issues, so Liverpool could use a bit more quality.
Arne Slott and his team have weathered it this season, but there are signs that the head coach is keeping Liverpool out of the eye of the typhoon, and the addition of an elite midfielder this summer could pay dividends for years to come.
Liverpool have joined Aston Villa in the race to sign Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Lukas Bergvall, with the 19-year-old attracting interest from Aston Villa and Chelsea, according to TEAMtalk.
The Athletic’s David Ornstein confirmed there had been inquiries from both teams, but this opens the door for a summer battle, even though the 20-year-old didn’t play much this season before manager Thomas Frank fired him.
Although Liverpool’s curiosity remains unfocused, there is no doubt that Bergvall has stood out throughout a difficult period for Spurs, and he may be Sweden’s most exciting emerging talent.
A figure of around £53 million had previously been suggested, but it appears Tottenham are actually hoping for more.
Why Liverpool want Lukas Bergvall
Bergvall is young but has already made 71 appearances for Tottenham, scoring two goals and providing eight assists. Last year, he made his way to glory, playing 12 times in the Europa League.
Tottenham beat Barcelona to sign the Sweden international in February 2024, with the then Djurgården moving on at the end of the season for a fee of £8.5 million.
What a bargain! In that respect, Bergvall is different from Isak, who moved from Real Sociedad to Newcastle for £63 million, the Magpies’ record transfer fee at the time.
However, Tottenham’s head of scouting, Robert McKenzie, described Bergvall as a “true generational talent” and Bergvall could be worth a hefty transfer fee.
Described by journalist J.J. Bull as having a “(Luka) Modric-like first touch”, Bergvall is a central midfielder with combative qualities, but also boasts a wide range of passing qualities and a technical command that many of his older rivals in the Premier League could only dream of.
However, Bergvall is not only compared to Isaac based on his ethnicity. Isak established himself as one of the best players in the world, settling in the Premier League in 2022 before making a record move to Liverpool. Only Erling Haaland has scored more clinically during this period.
PL – Top scorer since 22/23 | ||
|---|---|---|
player | app | Goal (per 90 points) |
erling haaland | one two three | 107 |
mohamed salah | 126 | 70 |
ollie watkins | 137 | 58 |
alexander isak | 96 | 56 |
Brian Mbeumo | 122 | 47 |
Dates via Transfermarkt | ||
Bergvall may follow suit. He has been a standout since his time at Tottenham, but constant problems in north London have held back some of the club’s most talented players. But Bergvall will walk away with silverware, just like Isaac did last year.
How far can this young midfielder grow? It remains to be seen, but he has the potential to emulate his compatriot Isak and develop into one of Europe’s best players.
He is ready to take the next step and Liverpool will be happy to do so.
The Reds’ failure is unlikely to start for Liverpool again after the Brighton game.
Liverpool’s latest failure has revealed the club’s new version of Divock Origi after a number of poor performances.
