Liverpool manager Arne Slot has dropped his clearest message yet about the club’s hunt for Newcastle United star Alexander Isak.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Slot said Liverpool “need one more attacker at least,” confirming that the Reds are not giving up on signing Isak.
Liverpool already had a massive £110 million offer for the Swedish striker rejected by Newcastle. But the Merseyside club is still determined to bring him to Anfield before the transfer window closes.
Isak has made it clear he wants to leave St James’ Park. Reports suggest he is doing everything he can to push for an exit after three years in the north east.
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Newcastle, however, are holding firm. They have publicly said Isak will not be sold “under any circumstances” this summer, even if they manage to buy a new striker themselves.
The transfer battle has turned into a waiting game. There are still weeks left before the window shuts, and both sides seem ready for a long standoff.
Arne Slot’s comments have only increased speculation. Liverpool have already signed Hugo Ekitike from Frankfurt for £79 million. The French forward scored on his debut, but Slot says he still wants more firepower.
“I see Hugo mainly as a No. 9 that could also play from the left or together with another No. 9,” Slot explained. “We need to have one more attacker at least.”
This means that if Liverpool do get Isak, Ekitike could move out wide, giving Slot more tactical flexibility in attack.
Meanwhile, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe is in a difficult position. Isak has not been part of Newcastle’s pre-season plans, and Howe admits he cannot include him in the squad for their Premier League opener against Aston Villa.
The reason? Newcastle have failed to land any of their striker targets, leaving them short in attack. If Isak leaves, the situation could get even worse.
Howe has hinted that Anthony Gordon could play as a central striker if fit, but that is far from ideal.
“I don’t think it’s been healthy for us,” Howe admitted. “Alex, for me, is one of the best strikers in the world, if not the best. To miss him from your squad leaves a huge gap.”
Howe also said that morale in the squad was hit during pre-season because of the uncertainty around Isak’s future.
“When you have a player that good who is not part of your group, it’s difficult for the players to fully understand what’s going on and how to react,” he said.
“But, as time has gone on, there has been an acceptance that this is the squad we have, and we must make the best of the situation.”
For Liverpool fans, Slot’s words are a sign of hope. The club has already lost attackers Luis Díaz and Darwin Núñez this summer, so getting another top-class forward is a priority.
For Newcastle fans, the saga is a nightmare. Losing Isak would be a huge blow, especially with the Champions League ahead and no clear replacement lined up.
The transfer window still has twists and turns to come, and the battle for Alexander Isak could be one of the summer’s biggest stories.
Whether Liverpool get their man or Newcastle keep their star, one thing is certain: this saga is far from over.
