Liverpool’s pursuit of Alexander Isak continues to hang in the balance, with the striker eager to move but negotiations still far from settled. With only a week left in the summer window, the Reds may be forced to line up alternative options to avoid being left short in attack.
The saga has intensified following bold comments earlier in the week, and it is expected to dominate the narrative as Liverpool prepare to face Newcastle United on Monday. For manager Arne Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes, time is now critical if they want to complete what has already been a landmark transfer window.
The challenge lies in Newcastle’s ownership. The Saudi-backed Public Investment Fund ultimately controls Isak’s future, limiting manager Eddie Howe’s influence. Howe has spoken repeatedly about welcoming the forward back into his squad, but the final call rests with the club’s hierarchy.
For Liverpool, patience is wearing thin. While Slot insists confidence in his squad remains, the reality is the team is light up front after the departures of Darwin Núñez, Luis Díaz, and Ben Doak. The tragic loss of Diogo Jota only deepens the void, making the need for a striker more pressing.
Liverpool’s transfer team — Arne Slot, Richard Hughes, and CEO of Football Michael Edwards — may soon be forced to explore a Plan B if Newcastle continue to stonewall talks for Alexander Isak. Should there be little progress by Thursday, alternative moves will need to take shape quickly.
One possible option is testing Atletico Madrid’s stance on Julian Alvarez. The Argentina international, who netted 17 goals in La Liga last season, offers versatility, pressing ability, and proven pedigree. While few realistic fallback options exist, Alvarez ticks several of the key boxes, though doubts remain over his willingness to return to England after leaving Manchester City.
Liverpool face a familiar dilemma. The situation mirrors the Virgil van Dijk saga in 2017, when the club refused to settle for alternatives and were rewarded with his arrival six months later. Isak could follow a similar trajectory, with Newcastle’s resistance already showing signs of softening. A deal around £130 million might ultimately break the deadlock.
Other rumored links, such as Rodrygo at Real Madrid, appear more agent-driven and financially unrealistic. If Isak does not arrive before September 1, the Reds may simply wait until January and push through with their current squad.
Slot has admitted he needs another forward, but Liverpool’s frontline looks thin compared to last season. With Luis Díaz, Darwin Núñez, and Ben Doak gone, and the devastating loss of Diogo Jota, only four natural forwards remain, with Federico Chiesa still settling. Creative midfielders like Wirtz, Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones, and possibly Harvey Elliott can cover, but the depth is clearly weaker than a year ago.
