James Pearce: Liverpool test Premier League rival with huge striker move | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Bold Pursuit of Isak Signals a New Era at Anfield

Ambition laid bare in pursuit of elite No 9

When Liverpool shattered their own transfer record to bring in Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, it was a show of strength. But their next target, Alexander Isak, would make an even louder statement. The message? Liverpool are not just Premier League champions, they intend to stay there.

James Pearce of The Athletic reports that while no formal offer has been submitted, Liverpool have “communicated their interest to do a deal for around £120m.” That figure would eclipse the club’s previous high and set a new British transfer record. Isak, at 25, fits the mould perfectly. He is experienced, in his prime, and ruthless in front of goal.

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Newcastle United maintain that the Swede is not for sale, but the financial strain of a potential deal for Hugo Ekitike, combined with profit and sustainability rules, means they may have a decision to make. Liverpool are watching and waiting, prepared to move when the opportunity presents itself.

Wirtz and Isak represent shift in recruitment

This summer marks a change in Liverpool’s transfer strategy. In years gone by, they backed their ability to spot talent and develop it. Think Andy Robertson, Diogo Jota, or even Mohamed Salah. But in signing Wirtz and targeting Isak, they are now moving for players already operating at world-class levels.

Pearce describes Isak as “the most complete centre-forward around.” The numbers support the claim. Twenty-three Premier League goals last season, second only to Salah. Sixty-two in 109 for Newcastle. He scores in big games, too. Liverpool know that first-hand after he netted against them in the league and Carabao Cup final last season.

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Add Isak to a forward line that already includes Wirtz, Salah, and Gakpo, and Arne Slot’s side becomes a terrifying proposition. That level of firepower would rival anything in Europe.

Diaz and Nunez departures could reshape the attack

With Darwin Nunez set to leave and Luis Diaz attracting offers from Bayern Munich, the attack is clearly undergoing a recalibration. Napoli and Saudi club Al Hilal are in the frame for Nunez, while Bayern’s £59m bid for Diaz has been rejected.

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Liverpool are not keen to sell Diaz, especially in light of recent events. As Pearce notes, “Players and staff are still coming to terms with the loss of a much-loved colleague and friend,” following the tragic death of Diogo Jota and his brother. It is not a normal summer at Kirkby.

Still, the business must continue. If Diaz were to go, Liverpool would demand a fee in line with the £87m Al Hilal offered Manchester United for Bruno Fernandes earlier this window. That level of money would strengthen their hand in the Isak negotiations, should they escalate.

Photo: IMAGO

Market muscle underlines title-winning platform

Liverpool’s position of strength this summer is not accidental. On the pitch, they have reclaimed the Premier League title. Off it, they are reaping the rewards of a redeveloped Anfield, a record-breaking Adidas kit deal, and soaring media revenues thanks to their Champions League return.

Matchday income is at an all-time high. Commercial expansion continues. There is genuine financial firepower at the club now, and it is being deployed smartly.

In total, Liverpool have already spent over £300m this summer, including fees for Jeremie Frimpong (£35m), Milos Kerkez (£40m), Giorgi Mamardashvili (£25m), and Armin Pecsi (£1.5m). Outgoings of £64m provide some balance, but the intent is clear.

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This is a squad being rebuilt not with hope, but with conviction.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

This is the sort of ambition you want to see. After a few windows of caution and compromise, the club are now behaving like champions. Going for Wirtz and then chasing Isak is not just about replacing players, it is about elevating the team.

We all saw what Isak did last season. He tormented defences, scored in big games, and brought real class to Newcastle’s attack. The thought of him linking up with Wirtz, Salah, and Gakpo is enough to make any fan dream.

Yes, the price is steep. But if you want to compete with Manchester City and Real Madrid, you need players like Isak. No more projects. No more maybes. Go out and buy the finished article. That is what we are doing now.

Selling Nunez and potentially Diaz is tough, but the upgrade would be enormous. And with a fully fit squad and new signings settling in, Slot’s Liverpool could dominate for years.

We are no longer outsiders. We are setting the pace. Isak would be the cherry on top of an already outstanding window.