Liverpool manager Arne Slot has refused to rule out the possibility of returning with an improved offer for Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, as the Premier League champions weigh up adding more attacking firepower ahead of the new season.
The speculation comes amid Darwin Nunez’s imminent departure to Saudi Arabia.
Following a restrained first year in the transfer market under Slot, Liverpool have spent close to £300 million ($402 million) this summer on key reinforcements. Among the arrivals are forwards Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike, as well as full-backs Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong. The club is set to recoup a large portion of that outlay with Nunez closing in on a £46 million switch to Al Hilal.
Reports suggest that Liverpool had a £110 million bid for Isak rejected by Newcastle, who are holding out for a fee that would set a new British transfer record. The Swedish forward has been absent from the Magpies’ pre-season activities and has been ordered to train separately from the first team.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s Community Shield clash with Crystal Palace at Wembley, Slot addressed the transfer rumours with caution. “You never talk about players that are not yours,” he said. “I think we have a lot of attacking power in our team. When I think about Cody Gakpo, Federico Chiesa, Hugo Ekitike, Mo Salah, Jeremie Frimpong, who can play as a right-winger, Florian Wirtz, who can play as a left-winger, I already feel I have a lot of attacking options in my current squad. But, as always as a club, we are always looking at the chances in the market.”
Liverpool enter the new campaign as record-equalling 20-time English champions, but preparations have been overshadowed by the sudden death of forward Diogo Jota last month. The Portuguese international died in a car accident in northern Spain alongside his brother while travelling back to England for pre-season.
Tributes to Jota have been held at every Liverpool game since the tragedy, and they will continue throughout the season. The club has retired his shirt number, with a “Forever 20” emblem set to feature on all shirts this season. Plans are also in place for a permanent memorial at Anfield.
Reflecting on the loss, Slot said: “First of all, tragedy impacted us but it impacted far more his wife, children and parents. But it impacted us as well, definitely. The tributes that have been done since were all very emotional and impressive, every time we were somewhere. It started off in Preston and in Asia as well. It’s been emotional, but impressive as well.”
What you should know
Liverpool are keeping their options open in the transfer market as they weigh a potential renewed bid for Newcastle striker Alexander Isak, following a rejected £110 million offer.
Darwin Nunez is close to sealing a £46 million move to Al Hilal, helping offset the club’s £300 million summer spending.
Preparations for the new season have been deeply affected by the death of Diogo Jota, with the club set to honour him through a “Forever 20” shirt emblem and a memorial at Anfield.
