‘Highly likely’ – ‘Liverpool to ramp up their efforts for Isak after Nunez deal’
Liverpool’s approach for Alexander Isak still has one major sticking point that will need addressing before the Swedish striker moves to Anfield.
That is the view of football finance expert Dan Plumley, who told Football Insider exclusively that the Reds will look to replace Darwin Nunez after his move to Al-Hilal.
The Uruguayan striker departed Anfield this summer after three years in which he found the back of the net 40 times in 143 games.
Despite leaving for less than he was signed for, Plumley told Football Insider that Liverpool would be happy with the fee they received for Nunez.
The Reds have signed a striker this summer in the form of Hugo Ekitike, and the Frenchman scored on his debut against Crystal Palace in the Community Shield.
However, Arne Slot’s side are slim on options up top, especially after Luis Diaz departed to join Bayern Munich.
Liverpool must cough up £40m extra
This article contains exclusive comment from Dan Plumley, a football finance expert and senior lecturer at Sheffield Hallam University.
With Eikitike, Federico Chiesa, and to some extent Florian Wirtz as the only strikers Arne Slot can call upon, the Reds are expected to sign a number nine before the end of the window.
Speaking to Football Insider exclusively, Plumley explained why Nunez’s exit means Liverpool are more likely than ever to reprise their interest in Alexander Isak.
He said: “Liverpool didn’t need freeing up to buy Alexander Isak financially, but this is another factor where you go, okay, if they are going to make that move again, then this helps to a degree, because it’s one of the main strikers at Liverpool gone.
“I think it’s highly likely that they continue that pursuit. I guess the sticking point with Isak is going to be the fee. They’ve had £110m rejected and Newcastle want £150m.
“It’s going to come down to the fee. But if you’re looking at the dominoes in place, a move for Nunez probably means that they’re going to ramp up their efforts to try and get Isak done in this window.”
Brentford respond to Liverpool interest in Nathan Collins
Whilst signing a new striker is both important and exciting in equal measures, the Reds have a potential crisis brewing in their backline.
Jarell Quansah’s sale to Bayer Leverkusen has left Slot with just three centre-backs to call upon: Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, and the oft-injured Joe Gomez.
As a consequence, Liverpool have shown an interest in Brentford captain Nathan Collins, Pete O’Rourke told Football Insider.
However, the West London side have no intentions of selling the Irishman this summer and will do all they can to keep him at the GTech.