Journalist ‘wouldn’t rule out’ Mega £130m Liverpool move this summer | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Alexander Isak Pursuit Still Breathing – But Only Just

Wirtz Deal Done, Eyes Drift Towards Isak

Liverpool fans are still catching their breath after news broke of a jaw-dropping £116 million agreement with Bayer Leverkusen for Florian Wirtz, a signing that could become the most expensive in English football history if all add-ons are triggered. Wirtz is expected to undergo his medical on Merseyside this Friday, as reported by The Athletic. It’s a powerful statement from the Premier League champions, and yet talk is already shifting towards the next big name: Alexander Isak.

The Swedish striker has long been admired across Europe, and BBC reporter Sami Mokbel claimed last month that the Newcastle frontman “would be intrigued” by the idea of joining Arne Slot’s side.

Steele’s Verdict – Hope, But Little Expectation

In his latest update on his YouTube channel, respected journalist Lewis Steele refused to dismiss the possibility of Liverpool making a move for Isak this summer. However, he admitted that any such move would be complicated by the financial outlay already made on Wirtz.

“What we can say is that Newcastle don’t want to sell him for cheap. I’d say it’d have to be, let’s say a ballpark figure of £130m-£140m.”

That number is eye-watering, even for a club as ambitious as Liverpool in the post-Klopp era. As Steele added:

“Are Liverpool realistically gonna pay that in a summer where they’ve signed Florian Wirtz? It’s hard to see but I wouldn’t completely rule it out.”

Player Desire and Agent Noise

What could swing the pendulum is Isak himself. The striker’s personal interest might yet be the trump card in this saga.

“I think the sole thing here lies with Alexander Isak. What does he want? If Liverpool do go knocking for him, he may let them in. He may have a conversation with them. As far as we’re aware, his agents have probably already spoken to Liverpool a number of times.”

While Steele stopped short of offering a confident prediction, he did concede that the rumour mill continues to churn.

“It seems very tricky, and I won’t say I’ve a sneaky feeling on it like I did with Florian Wirtz, but the noise is always there.”

A Forward Worth the Gamble?

It’s easy to see why Liverpool remain linked with Isak. Steele summed up the forward with a flourish, calling him “a Michelin-starred restaurant ribeye prime cut steak” among number nines, and also labelled him “one of the best strikers in the world.”

Isak’s numbers are every bit as appetising. With 23 Premier League goals last season, second only to Mo Salah’s 29, and 62 goals in 109 appearances for Newcastle, his form speaks for itself. He has already helped Eddie Howe’s side qualify for the Champions League twice and lifted the Carabao Cup earlier this year.

With Darwin Núñez continuing to attract interest from clubs abroad, speculation of his potential sale is intensifying. Should that exit materialise, Isak would be a near-ideal replacement. Still, as Steele rightly points out, even if Liverpool raise funds through sales, convincing Newcastle to part with their prized asset for around £140m may prove to be a non-starter.

Yet the capture of Wirtz proves one thing: Fenway Sports Group are willing to stretch deep into their pockets when they believe the player is worth it.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

For Liverpool fans, this rumour will do exactly what it’s meant to: stir excitement. Florian Wirtz arriving for a record fee has shifted expectations, and Isak feels like the next logical dream. With Núñez potentially departing, the idea of Slot’s new-look Liverpool spearheaded by a prime Isak is hard not to fantasise about.

His numbers are elite, his style progressive, and his presence would finally offer the Reds a complete striker who blends poise, pace, and prolific finishing. Supporters will also be buoyed by Steele’s hints about prior agent conversations with Liverpool. The groundwork may already be there.

What’s more, FSG now feel like a different beast. The same ownership that once pinched pennies now appear ready to take major financial leaps. If they see Isak as a transformational figure for Slot’s era, who’s to say they won’t pull the trigger?

Still, there’s a niggling sense of realism among fans. Newcastle have no reason to sell, and with Champions League football on Tyneside again, it might take something seismic to lure Isak away. For now, it’s hope laced with pragmatism — but the dream is alive.