How Liverpool might line up with Hugo Ekitike AND Alexander Isak as Reds get clear run
Liverpool are being tipped to pursue Alexander Isak if he does select to depart Newcastle regardless of already signing Hugo Ekitike – doubtlessly leaving Arne Slot with a conundrum in assault
For Liverpool the spending this summer time is now up over £200million after they confirmed the seize of Hugo Ekitike this week – touchdown the Frenchman from Frankfurt to fill a gap at No 9.
Many noticed that transfer as an alternative choice to Alexander Isak, who would've been far tougher to realize and much more costly. However now, in mild of the information that Newcastle's frontman needs to discover his choices, speak of a change to Anfield is again on.
Liverpool seem, after a quiet summer time 12 months in the past, to nonetheless have room to take a position greater than £100m. Which is how a lot it'll take to land Isak. The Reds and Arne Slot are thought to stay eager and would discover little competitors in the event that they did go after Isak.
Earlier within the yr, Arsenal had Isak prime of their summer time want listing however the Gunners didn’t really feel he was attainable after Newcastle secured Champions League qualification and have pursued different targets. Chelsea, who made an enquiry final summer time, are presently prioritising the arrivals of RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons after touchdown Liam Delap and Joao Pedro.
However whether or not they Liverpool make Isak work of their beginning XI stays to be seen. Having depth is one factor, however making an attempt to slot in greater than £200m value of strikers, each who need to play No 9, might show difficult and current political issues the group might do with out.
READ MORE: Alexander Isak feedback say so much as Liverpool goal requests big-money transferREAD MORE: Liverpool handed clear run at Alexander Isak switch as Arsenal and Chelsea stance emerges
Concord can usually be underrated, however signing Isak would definitely current Slot with an issue that’s equally fascinating and undesirable. Mohamed Salah is the one man assured of his spot on the appropriate wing. Past that it’s up for debate.
That being stated, any membership hierarchy who spend a British-record £116m on a participant will likely be count on him to play a daily function if he’s to pay that again. Florian Wirtz arrives with an enormous repute and is predicted to play in a inventive function simply behind the striker. That will successfully put pay to the thought of placing Isak in a extra deeper function behind Ekitike.
It possible leaves certainly one of Isak or Ekitike – possible the latter – taking part in out broad to make sure Slot can discover a solution to get all his new arrivals into one group. The Frenchman has performed from the left previously, however that does although additional the hypothesis round Luis Diaz, who would often function from the left.
The Colombian has been the topic of a bid from Bayern Munich. Liverpool haven't entered contract talks however insist Diaz just isn’t on the market. The participant himself has been non-committal on staying or going. However seeing a giant title arrive who’s more likely to play in his place could not go down nicely.
Diaz himself has stated: “I’m very calm the place I’m and really completely happy." The ex-Porto man additionally claimed he would “make the most effective determination for me” and Bayern are reportedly prepared to return again with a brand new and improved provide.
A sale of Diaz would additional assist to offset the mammoth quantity it will value to land Isak. The Colombian himself would command a payment in extra in £60m, which might go straight in direction of testing Newcastle's resolve.
One factor for sure is that the membership have two real choices in the event that they do need to land Isak. One – signal the Newcastle ace and Ekitike however settle for that just one can begin on a weekly foundation. Or Two – Go after Isak as their major man in assault, push Ekitike out broad however acknowledge that Diaz will go arduous for the exit door.
Behind the attacking quartet the group is starting to look extra settled. Ryan Gravenberch stamped his authority on his midfield spot with Alexis Mac Allister proving a terrific foil for him. Virgil van Dijk stays the defensive chief alongside Ibrahima Konate, whose future is unsure. The 2 centre-halves will possible must get accustomed although to 2 new full-backs in Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez.
Article continues beneath
Be a part of our new WhatsApp neighborhood and obtain your each day dose of Mirror Soccer content material. We additionally deal with our neighborhood members to particular presents, promotions, and adverts from us and our companions. When you don't like our neighborhood, you’ll be able to try any time you want. When you're curious, you’ll be able to learn our Privacy Notice.