Lynch: Liverpool prepared to strike but need Newcastle signal first | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Waiting Game: Isak, Strategy and Summer Signals

Patience and Positioning in Isak Pursuit

Liverpool’s interest in Alexander Isak is not in question. As David Lynch made clear on the Media Matters podcast, “Liverpool are there ready and waiting.” But there’s a catch, or rather, a signal. “Liverpool are still waiting for the signal from Newcastle to show that they have got a willingness to sell,” Lynch said, noting the club will not bid without encouragement.

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The logic is obvious. As Lynch put it, “Newcastle will give that signal when they know that they’ve got a replacement in the door.” The likes of Benjamin Šeško and Serhou Guirassy are central to that contingency. It is a transfer waiting to happen, blocked not by valuation or interest, but by timing.

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Crucially, Liverpool are in pole position. “Isak wants Liverpool,” Lynch stated firmly. “He wants to win with Liverpool… it’s not because he’s just keeping his options open.” That commitment from the player narrows the field. Lynch added, “I’m not worried about Liverpool being gazumped by anyone else.”

Why Isak Makes Sense and What Could Follow

As the conversation turned to wider strategy, Lynch suggested Isak is the “big piece of the puzzle.” However, one signing alone might not be enough. The duo discussed whether a fifth senior forward should also come in, especially with Mohamed Salah expected to miss around six league games during AFCON.

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Lynch noted that while Arne Slot values a tight squad and positional flexibility, the idea of adding someone like Fofana to supplement Isak’s arrival makes logical sense. “You almost see a world where if Isak is signed, someone like [Fofana]… is kind of perfect to be a foil all the way across the front line.”

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Lynch also acknowledged the risk of having just four frontline options, Isak, Ekitike, Gakpo and Salah, with the latter potentially away mid-season. “If you only have four and then Salah goes away and one of them gets an injury, you are starting Ngumoha for an awful lot of games… I think he’s brilliant, what a talent he is, but is he at that level yet? I’m not sure.”

Centre-Back Situation Hinges on Guehi

At the back, it’s a similar story. Mark Guehi remains the target, but Crystal Palace have yet to show signs of serious movement. “They do need to sign one,” said Lynch, especially with Joe Gomez’s ongoing injury concerns. “If Liverpool didn’t think there was a chance they could get him, that whole story would be over already.”

Still, Lynch is confident that the club won’t pivot unless Guehi becomes unavailable. “They will pivot… only in the instance that they can’t get Guehi.” That is consistent with Liverpool’s methodical recruitment policy, prioritising key targets before activating Plan B.

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Lynch was clear that Liverpool are unlikely to go with five senior centre-backs. “I still really struggle to see them doing that… it’s just not workable to have five,” he said. Instead, Endo and Gravenberch are viewed as emergency options.

Diaz Departure Means Next Move Must Land

Luis Diaz’s expected transfer to Bayern Munich adds further urgency to the Isak situation. Lynch noted that “they’ve got to go and replace him now, which is not easy.” Liverpool’s wide options are thinning, especially with Federico Chiesa and Kaide Gordon both set to leave.

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There’s optimism, but no guarantees. Lynch cautioned, “Things could fall through… we’re not there till it’s signed.” The strategy is sound. The will is strong. Now, Liverpool wait on Newcastle to make the next move.