Liverpool are actively searching for a new striker this summer, and according to Football Insider, manager Arne Slot has identified Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak as a key transfer target.
Reports suggest that Isak has a gentleman’s agreement with Newcastle, which will allow him to leave if the club fails to qualify for the Champions League. While Arsenal have been leading the race for his signature, Liverpool have now entered the competition, adding further intensity and excitement to the transfer battle.
Slot is reportedly unconvinced by Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota which is why is wants to sign a more reliable goal scorer. However, rather than splashing a huge transfer fee on Isak, Liverpool are considering offering their star winger Luis Diaz in a direct swap deal.
Is Alexander Isak good enough to lead the line at Liverpool?
Alexander Isak has been one of the Premier League’s standout strikers this season. In 23 league appearances, the 25-year-old boasts an impressive xG of 14.18 from 32 shots on target. Since joining Newcastle, he has netted 54 goals in 96 appearances across all competitions. More than just a goal scorer, Isak is a versatile forward who is an ever-willing runner and can cover the spaces behind opposition defences.
When comparing Isak’s numbers to Nunez and Jota, the contrast is eye-popping. Isak has already scored 17 Premier League goals this season in 1,893 minutes, whereas Nunez and Jota combined have managed just nine. He will be the ideal summer signing for Liverpool because Alexander Isak can single-handedly carry Nunez and Jota’s work-load.
Will Luis Diaz agree to join Newcastle United?
Mo Salah and Virgil Van Dijk have been tipped to leave in the summer and Luis Diaz also appears to be edging closer to an Anfield exit. Multiple reports suggest that the Colombian winger is set to leave at the end of this season and Barcelona is his preferred destination. New manager Hansi Flick is reportedly eager to work with him, and Diaz himself has previously expressed a strong desire to play at Camp Nou.
Although Newcastle may find the swap deal appealing, convincing Diaz to join a club currently sitting seventh in the Premier League could prove challenging. While Newcastle still have an outside chance of Champions League qualification, the prospect of joining a club like Barcelona is undoubtedly more enticing for the Colombian star. At Camp Nou, he will be guaranteed silverware each and every season.
