Liverpool legend John Aldridge has made a passionate case for the club’s transfer strategy this summer, voicing his strong support for Arne Slot’s pursuit of Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak while cautioning against the sale of current forward Darwin Núñez. Aldridge, who played a key role in Liverpool’s success during the late 1980s, believes that bringing in a prolific, intelligent forward like Isak would add vital firepower to Slot’s system—yet insists that Núñez still has untapped potential that must not be discarded prematurely.
The club enters the 2025/26 season on the back of a promising second-place finish, and with the transfer window wide open, Slot and the Liverpool hierarchy are under pressure to optimize their attacking options. Isak, who netted 25 goals in 34 Premier League appearances last season—including standout performances like a hat-trick against Spurs and a match-winning goal against Manchester City—has emerged as one of Europe’s most coveted forwards. His 19.6% shot conversion rate and technical ability in a high-press system mirror the attributes Slot demands in a central striker. Aldridge is convinced that Isak would seamlessly integrate into Liverpool’s 4-3-3 setup, describing the 25-year-old Swede as “clinical, quick, and smart”—a natural fit who could give Liverpool the ruthlessness in front of goal that they’ve occasionally lacked.
Reports indicate that Liverpool have initiated talks with Newcastle over a possible move for Isak, who is valued at £90 million by the Magpies. While that figure could prove to be a sticking point, there is growing speculation that the deal may include add-ons or even player exchanges to lower the up-front cost. Joe Gomez and Trent Alexander-Arnold have been floated as potential makeweights, though such names raise questions given their importance to the squad.
At the same time, Aldridge has issued a firm warning about the risks of letting Darwin Núñez leave. The 26-year-old Uruguayan has been a polarizing figure since his £64 million (rising to £85 million) move from Benfica in 2022. While his finishing has often been erratic—he managed just seven Premier League goals in 42 appearances last season, 17 of them starts—his underlying contributions tell a more nuanced story. With 37 combined goals and assists in 4,520 Premier League minutes, he averages a direct goal involvement every 122 minutes, a respectable figure for a player whose confidence has clearly fluctuated.
Aldridge argues that Slot’s tactical approach—centered around structured build-up, fluid movement, and relentless pressing—could bring the best out of Núñez. He praises the striker’s pace, physicality, and commitment, suggesting that the raw attributes are there for Slot to refine into a consistent, high-output forward. “Darwin’s raw, but he’s got everything—pace, power, desire,” Aldridge said. “Selling him now would be madness. Slot can polish him into a 20-goal-a-season man.”
The former Liverpool striker’s comments come amid mounting speculation over Núñez’s future, intensified by the player’s cryptic social media remarks and visible frustration during the past campaign. Both Napoli and Saudi club Al-Hilal have reportedly made offers—€50 million and £65 million respectively—with Al-Hilal offering a staggering £400,000 per week in wages. But Aldridge believes that Núñez’s perceived shortcomings are psychological rather than technical, citing key moments—like his brace against Brentford and his emotional goal celebration for the late Diogo Jota—as evidence of his passion and potential.
With Luis Díaz also linked to moves to Barcelona and PSG despite his efficient 18.3% shot conversion rate, Liverpool’s forward line could face considerable upheaval. Federico Chiesa’s recent arrival for £12 million offers additional depth, yet Aldridge sees him more as an impact substitute than a guaranteed starter. In contrast, Isak is viewed as a game-changer—someone who could complement rather than replace Núñez. A potential front three of Díaz, Isak, and Mohamed Salah, backed by substitutes like Núñez and Chiesa, would give Liverpool a formidable attacking arsenal capable of challenging Manchester City and Arsenal.
However, executing such a strategy depends not only on Newcastle’s willingness to negotiate but also on Liverpool’s financial maneuvering. Despite record revenues in recent seasons, the club has operated with a cautious net spend—under £50 million since 2023—making the £90 million fee for Isak a significant decision. Slot’s first year at the helm delivered 82 points and a return to the Champions League, but to push for the title, Liverpool must strike the right balance between bold recruitment and smart squad management.
Ultimately, Aldridge’s message is clear: while Isak would undoubtedly strengthen Liverpool’s attack, Núñez still holds the potential to thrive under Slot’s leadership. Letting him go now, just as the pieces are falling into place, could be a decision the club regrets. If Liverpool can find a way to add Isak without sacrificing Núñez, they may just assemble the most complete and versatile forward line in the Premier League—one capable of firing them back to the top.
