LIVERPOOL TRANSFERS: LATEST ON ALEXANDER ISAK AND HUGO EKITIKE
Liverpool’s Forward Plans Taking Shape: Isak Dream Alive, Ekitike Emerges as Plan B
Liverpool’s summer transfer strategy is becoming clearer as the club prepares to build on its Premier League title-winning season under Arne Slot. With Darwin Nunez and Federico Chiesa likely to leave, and Luis Diaz attracting serious interest from Saudi Arabia, the focus has shifted to who could be arriving to bolster the attack.
Among the names gaining traction is Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak — a player of genuine top-tier quality, though far from a straightforward signing.
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🔥 Interest in Isak is Real, But Complex
According to respected journalist David Lynch, speaking to Dave Davis on Anfield Index, Liverpool’s interest in Isak is genuine. “Liverpool are clearly very interested and they feel like the money will be there to do a deal like that because Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz could leave,” Lynch revealed.
That’s a bold statement and suggests Liverpool are confident they can generate substantial funds through sales. But Isak won’t come cheap — or easy.
Newcastle have no pressure to sell. Fresh off a return to the Champions League and with a trophy now in the cabinet, Eddie Howe’s side are in a strong bargaining position. “It just looks really difficult to do and we have to be realistic about that,” Lynch added.
The reality? Multiple dominoes need to fall. Nunez would likely need to leave, and finding a European club willing to match Liverpool’s valuation could prove tricky. As Lynch noted, “It looks more likely that he will go to a European side than a Saudi side so that makes it harder.” The situation with Luis Diaz remains uncertain too.
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👀 Hugo Ekitike: The Under-the-Radar Option
While Isak grabs the headlines, Hugo Ekitike has quietly emerged as a potential alternative. Lynch hinted that the link is more than speculation. “No one at Liverpool is ruling him out, which if it was nonsense, they usually would.”
That line is telling. Liverpool’s recruitment team are known for working quietly behind the scenes before moving decisively — think of past stealthy signings like Fabinho or Gakpo.
According to Lynch, contact has been made with Ekitike’s camp, though things are still in the early stages. The Frenchman — coming off a strong Bundesliga campaign — would represent a calculated gamble. His price tag is reportedly in the £70 million region, and while he lacks Isak’s Premier League pedigree, he comes with fewer transfer complications.
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🧮 Outgoings Will Shape the Attack
What happens next hinges entirely on who leaves. Nunez seems the more likely departure, with Slot favouring a more clinical and composed number nine. Diaz, however, may only be allowed to go if Liverpool can sign a suitable replacement.
“I do know Liverpool want to move on a couple of their own forwards before we see any movement in the front line,” Lynch stated. That sums it up — forward sales will unlock Liverpool’s attack refresh.
Slot now has the reputation and silverware to attract high-level talent. Isak remains the dream, but don’t be surprised if a more opportunistic deal for someone like Ekitike becomes the pragmatic Plan B.
Liverpool aren’t rushing, and rightly so. The transfer market is unpredictable, but the framework is in place. If funds are generated and slots open up, we could see a flurry of late activity.
Whether it’s Isak lighting up Anfield or Ekitike rising to the challenge, one thing is clear — Arne Slot’s Reds are building something serious.