
Anfield Index
·22 August 2025
Liverpool Considering ‘Crazy’ Swap Deal to Sign Alexander Isak

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·22 August 2025
Liverpool’s search for attacking reinforcements continues to gather pace, and the latest development from CaughtOffside has added fuel to the speculation. According to Mark Brus, internal discussions have taken place within the club over the possibility of using Federico Chiesa as part of a crazy deal to bring Alexander Isak to Anfield.
While no deal has been finalised, this revelation follows Isak’s very public criticism of Newcastle United over “broken promises”. It seems the Swedish striker is angling for a move, and Liverpool are keeping close tabs on the situation.
Despite Newcastle’s reluctance to part with their star man, the inclusion of a high-profile player like Chiesa in negotiations could force a rethink. With six clubs including AC Milan, Inter, Napoli, Atalanta, Roma and Fulham expressing interest in the Italian international, Liverpool would not struggle to find suitors.
Chiesa has certainly given manager Arne Slot something to think about following an impactful cameo in the 4-2 victory against Bournemouth. His involvement from the bench was crucial, showing glimpses of the quality that made him a standout in Serie A.
Despite the transfer talk, the player’s current stance is clear: he does not want to leave Liverpool this summer. Slot alluded to Chiesa’s renewed vigour in his most recent press conference, stating:
“I see a totally different Federico now than through large parts of last season, which is completely normal because he missed out on the whole pre-season.”
Photo: IMAGO
It’s a significant insight into the mindset both of the player and manager. After a disrupted start to life on Merseyside, Chiesa appears settled and ready to contribute more consistently.
It is important to note the fragile state of Liverpool’s forward line following the summer exits of Darwin Nunez to Al-Hilal and Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich.
The club is now left with just four senior attackers: Mo Salah, Cody Gakpo, Federico Chiesa and Hugo Ekitike. For a club aiming to defend a Premier League title and challenge in Europe, that is dangerously light.
Any move involving Chiesa would therefore have to include an immediate replacement, which is where Isak fits in. But given the current lack of depth, it is difficult to imagine Liverpool letting go of Chiesa unless the incoming deal is both strategic and immediate.
Isak’s frustration with Newcastle may present a rare opportunity. The 25-year-old has been one of the Premier League’s most exciting forwards, and his public stance might leave the Magpies with a dilemma they would rather avoid.
Still, convincing them to sell to a domestic rival is far from straightforward. Including a player of Chiesa’s calibre could be the key, but as it stands, this remains an internal discussion rather than an imminent move.
This news offers both excitement and trepidation. Alexander Isak is the type of player who could become a leading man at Anfield. His technical ability, composure in front of goal and versatility make him a tantalising option.
However, using Chiesa as a bargaining chip brings serious risk. He may have had a mixed first season, but his recent performances suggest he’s turning a corner under Slot. The manager’s public praise only reinforces the idea that Chiesa still has a future in this squad.
With only four recognised senior forwards and a punishing schedule ahead, weakening the squad to strengthen it elsewhere is a dangerous game. Any deal for Isak would have to be carefully structured, ideally bringing him in without losing Chiesa.
Isak would be a dream addition, but not at the cost of squad balance or morale. Supporters will want to see bold moves, yes, but not reckless ones.