Liverpool ‘Have Watched’ £80m Striker Ahead of Potential Summer Move – Journalist | OneFootball

Liverpool Eyeing £80m Alexander Isak Alternative

Liverpool’s recruitment plans this summer are shaping up to be a balancing act of ambition and pragmatism. As the Anfield hierarchy continues to map out the post-Klopp era under Arne Slot, one name has surfaced prominently: Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak. Yet as promising as the Swedish striker would be for Liverpool, the road to any potential deal looks almost impossible, as reported by Chris Bascombe for The Telegraph.

Isak’s Star Shines Bright at St James’ Park

According to Chris Bascombe, Liverpool “rate Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak as one of the best strikers in Europe.” That admiration is clear, but Liverpool’s realism about the situation is even clearer. With Newcastle almost certain to qualify for the Champions League, and with their recent Carabao Cup success boosting momentum, the Magpies are in no mood to lose their star forward.

Photo: IMAGO

Furthermore, Isak’s long-term contract and Newcastle’s ambition to directly compete with the likes of Liverpool next season gives Eddie Howe’s side the upper hand. As Bascombe rightly states, “the chances would currently appear to be slim to none.”

Even more daunting is the potential price tag. Newcastle could demand a figure in excess of £130 million — a sum that would require Liverpool to obliterate their existing transfer record by around £45 million. It is clear that Isak, as tantalising a prospect as he is, might just be out of reach.

Hugo Ekitike: A Cheaper, Yet Riskier, Alternative

Liverpool’s scouting team is evidently working hard behind the scenes. Another striker reportedly under consideration is Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike. At 22 years old, Ekitike offers a profile of emerging talent, but comes with a hefty expected fee of around £80 million.

“Liverpool have watched the 22-year-old Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike, but an expected fee of £80 million would represent high risk for an emerging talent,” said Bascombe.

Photo: IMAGO

As Bascombe notes, this would “represent high risk for an emerging talent.” It highlights the fine margins Liverpool must tread. While the club is willing to invest heavily for the right player — evidenced by their £111 million offer for Moises Caicedo two years ago — each investment must be calculated, especially when Slot’s transfer plans are being built around both arrivals and departures.

Player Sales Could Fund Major Moves

There is no fixed budget for Arne Slot this summer. Instead, Liverpool’s spending power will be influenced by who they are able to offload. Bascombe explains that “fringe players such as Joe Gomez and Kostas Tsimikas will be available” and that there may also be “offers for Scotland winger Ben Doak,” who is currently recovering from injury following a successful loan spell at Middlesbrough.

Photo: IMAGO

Notably, Darwin Núñez’s future could also shape Liverpool’s summer activity. While no firm decision has yet been reported, the Uruguayan’s fluctuating form could encourage the club to listen to serious offers.

Slot’s Rebuild Hinges on Prime Targets

Liverpool’s willingness to spend big — when justified — signals their intent to remain at the summit of English and European football. The recruitment strategy remains clear: only invest when the player is seen as transformative. That was the case with Caicedo, and it would certainly be the case with Isak.

However, with the Magpies determined to stand firm and Liverpool’s refusal to be drawn into reckless spending, alternative targets like Ekitike might come more sharply into focus as the transfer window unfolds.

Photo: IMAGO

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

The idea of Alexander Isak pulling on the famous red shirt is mouth-watering. Isak’s blistering pace, clinical finishing and elegant movement would be a dream fit for Arne Slot’s dynamic, attacking style. Imagine him linking up with Salah, Diaz and Szoboszlai — it’s the stuff of fantasy.

It’s frustrating that Newcastle’s new-found financial strength and ambition make this transfer almost a non-starter. However, knowing that Liverpool “rate Isak as one of the best strikers in Europe” shows the club’s vision. We want to compete with the very best, and even if we don’t land him, the ambition behind scouting such calibre is encouraging.

Ekitike, while talented, feels more like a project than a sure thing. £80 million for a player yet to fully establish himself at the top level? Risky business. But if Slot and the data team see a gem, who are we to doubt them?

The possible exits of players like Gomez, Tsimikas, and maybe even Núñez suggest there’s a big summer ahead. Liverpool are not standing still. With no rigid budget constraints and a clear plan for targeted investment, fans have every right to dream of another title push under new leadership.

In short: Isak would be magical, but whoever we land, this summer will define the early Slot era — and we’re all in for the ride.