Hendrick: Liverpool’s Push for Isak Shows Strength on and off the Pitch | OneFootball

Liverpool Targeting Isak in Bold Move Amid PSR Clarity

Liverpool’s transfer strategy this summer is making waves, and not just for its ambition. On the latest episode of The Daily Red Podcast, contributor Dave Hendrick laid out exactly why the Reds’ pursuit of Alexander Isak is both viable and inevitable. “There is one club and one club only,” Hendrick said of Isak’s desire to leave Newcastle. “It’s us.”

Isak Interest Signals Statement of Intent

The Premier League champions have already added Hugo Ekitike to their ranks, but Hendrick was clear that this deal didn’t stop Liverpool from going after their main man. “We want Alexander Isak and we also want Hugo Ekitike, but we’ll let you have Hugo,” he summised of Liverpool’s initial approach to Newcastle.

Newcastle reportedly claimed Isak was left behind from their Asia tour due to a thigh injury. Hendrick wasted no time in dismissing the narrative. “That injury was absolutely untrue,” he said, citing journalist Craig Hope’s report that Isak told Newcastle he wants to leave.

For Liverpool, the interest is concrete and expensive. “The fee will be a British record,” Hendrick stated. “125, 130, 135, somewhere in that ballpark.” He also added, “We have the money and we have the want and we have the pull to bring in Alexander Isak.”

Ekitike Part of Bigger Picture

Though Isak is the marquee name, Hugo Ekitike’s arrival has a clear purpose. Hendrick pointed out that the Frenchman was not brought in as the primary striker. “The reporting around Hugo’s signing was clear… we liked his versatility.” While acknowledging that Ekitike has “not really played in a ton of other positions,” he suggested a tactical shift may be on the horizon: “I do think it’s very possible we could move to a front two type of setup… Isak up front with Mo playing quite close to him.”

That would open the door for Ekitike to develop without pressure, and for Liverpool to manage both Isak’s injury history and Mohamed Salah’s ageing process. “We are future-proofing because Mo Salah has two years left in his deal and he may well leave at that point.”

How Liverpool Can Afford Isak Under PSR

Hendrick didn’t shy away from tackling the question that has agitated rival fans and analysts alike: How can Liverpool afford Isak without breaching Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR)? “Our net spend over the last two years was only about £4 million,” he explained. “While declaring record revenues, while becoming the biggest commercial entity in the Premier League, surpassing Manchester United for the first time.”

In a detailed breakdown, he walked through the maths: “This summer… that’s a £265 million spend. Add the £45 [from last year], you’re at £310 million across three years.” Factoring in sales already made and likely departures, Hendrick stated, “The £255 million of net spend across three years is reduced to nothing. To about £15 million quid.”

He even laid out how the club could “do all of that, plus Isak, plus a centre-back, and still have a net spend of under £200 million across three years,” well within PSR allowances. “Profit and sustainability allows for a £105 million pound loss across three years,” Hendrick said. “We don’t have any concerns financially.”

Acting Like a Big Club

At the heart of Liverpool’s transfer window is one simple fact, according to Hendrick: “Because we can, we do.” With Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes running recruitment and Billy Hogan driving commercial growth, Hendrick insists that this summer’s business reflects elite-level strategy. “We will back ourselves to sell at peak value because that’s what we do,” he added.

Liverpool’s pursuit of Isak is not reckless, nor is it reactionary. It is part of a calculated plan to strengthen from a position of dominance. “Isak best-in-class, just like Alisson was, just like Virgil was,” said Hendrick, underlining the club’s belief that this signing would elevate their ceiling even further.

As rival fans rage and pundits question, Liverpool continue to move smartly, aggressively and legally. If Hendrick’s analysis holds true, Alexander Isak will soon become Liverpool’s new number nine — and nobody will be able to say they didn’t see it coming.