Liverpool seemed ready to do anything to afford Alexander Isak. The Newcastle striker represented the ideal offensive recruit to replace Darwin Núñez, and the Reds had even envisaged an offer of 140 million euros, capable of breaking their recent record set with Florian Wirtz. But the categorical refusal of the Magpies, furious to see their player disturbed by this media flight, changed the situation. The deal is now considered out of reach, and Liverpool has therefore been forced to review its strategy.
Five alternatives to forget Isak
Rather than insisting, the management of Liverpool has decided to expand its short-list. Five names are now detached in internal discussions: Hugo Ekitike, Victor Osimhen, Ollie Watkins, Yoane Wissa and Rodrygo. It is also the French of Eintracht Frankfurt who seems to have the favors of Arne Slot, especially since the contacts have already been knotted with those around him. Less expensive than Swedish and more accessible on the market, Ekitike ticks several boxes of the profile sought.
This turnaround does not change the ambition of Liverpool, quite the contrary. With already more than 210 million euros spent, the Reds fully assume their status of superpower of the market. After Wirtz, other names could still be added to the list of summer recruits, especially in the attacking sector. It is therefore not a renunciation, but a strategic repositioning.
Reds failed for Isak: here are the alternatives to 100 million
Napoli closes the door for Núñez
At the same time, the exit tracks are reduced for Darwin Núñez. Long mentioned on the side of Naples, the Uruguayan will not join the Serie A, the Italian club having put an end to the discussions. A situation that could force Liverpool to compose with him one more season, or to accelerate to find a new fall point.
At a time when the transfer window gets carried away, Liverpool advances with an open face. The Isak file belongs to the past, but the ambitions remain intact. With five tracks on the table and always considerable means, the Reds seem determined to offer Arne Slot a renewed attack, ready to win back Europe.
