Liverpool Linked with Shock Move to Sign £32m Premier League Forward – Journalist | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Striker Hunt Takes Unexpected Turn Amid Nicolas Jackson Links

Reports linking Liverpool with a late-window move for Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson have raised eyebrows across the football landscape. With Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak widely understood to be the club’s priority target, the suggestion that Richard Hughes could pivot towards Jackson feels both unexpected and divisive.

According to Matt Law for The Telegraph, Chelsea remain reluctant to sanction an exit for Jackson until the Isak situation is clarified. The Blues believe they can “afford to hold their nerve”, knowing that Bayern Munich are strongly interested and that Newcastle or Liverpool may yet be “forced to make a late move” for the Senegal striker.

Jackson’s Mixed Chelsea Record

Since joining Chelsea from Villarreal for £32 million, Jackson has developed a reputation as a mercurial presence. A return of 30 goals in 81 appearances highlights flashes of genuine quality, yet inconsistency has overshadowed his progress.

As quoted in the article, Thierry Henry suggested last season that Jackson is “on his way” to becoming “the real deal”. However, his ill-discipline has been costly, most notably with red cards in crucial fixtures against Newcastle and Flamengo. Furthermore, statistics from The Athletic showed one of the highest rates of big chances missed during his debut Premier League season.

Liverpool’s supporters know too well how frustrating such traits can be, given Darwin Núñez’s mixed spell at Anfield. Comparisons are already being drawn, with Jackson seen by some as a more extreme version of the Uruguayan’s erratic tendencies.

Liverpool’s Striker Dilemma

The pursuit of Alexander Isak has been ongoing for weeks, with the player reportedly open to leaving St James’ Park. Newcastle, however, remain steadfast in their stance that the Sweden international will not be sold before the transfer deadline.

With just days left in the window, Liverpool may be forced to weigh the merits of turning to alternative targets. Nicolas Jackson’s name emerging in this context has surprised many, but in such unpredictable transfer markets, few possibilities can be entirely dismissed.

As one source noted, “it remains to be seen whether or not Liverpool make a sudden late move for an alternative target if the Newcastle striker proves to be unattainable”.

Would Jackson Fit Liverpool’s Needs?

Questions remain over whether Jackson’s profile aligns with Liverpool’s current requirements. The Reds need a reliable forward who can blend into Arne Slot’s system with immediate effect. Jackson’s raw qualities are undeniable, but his decision-making and consistency would be subject to intense scrutiny on Merseyside.

Ultimately, while the Telegraph report outlines why Chelsea are delaying any decisions on the Senegalese forward, the prospect of him becoming a Liverpool player still appears remote. Stranger things have happened, though, and supporters will watch closely as the clock ticks down.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

This story feels like a stretch. The club have been laser-focused on Alexander Isak throughout the summer, and moving late for Nicolas Jackson would represent a drastic departure from that strategy.

Liverpool have moved on from reactive signings in recent years. The recruitment model under Fenway Sports Group has been methodical, targeting players who fit a clear profile rather than gambling on mercurial talent. Jackson’s record at Chelsea is patchy at best, and his inconsistency does not inspire confidence for a club aiming to challenge for the Premier League and Champions League.

Supporters also know the dangers of bringing in a forward prone to missing big chances. Darwin Núñez polarised opinion, and while many fans loved his energy and output, his inconsistency often became a talking point. Jackson, as the article notes, has similar traits, perhaps even more pronounced. It would be a huge risk to replace one such player with another.

For those reasons, many Reds will dismiss this speculation as noise in the final days of the window. Unless Isak proves completely unattainable, it feels highly unlikely Liverpool would seriously pursue Jackson. This appears more a case of Chelsea positioning themselves for leverage than Liverpool actively pursuing an alternative.