Liverpool have reportedly decided that they will consider alternatives to Alexander Isak if a deal with Newcastle United cannot be reached within the next week.
The Reds secured all three points in their Premier League opener against Bournemouth on Friday, with a 4-2 win at Anfield despite initially trailing 2-0. – Newcastle were missing their usual goalscorer in their opening game on Saturday at Villa Park. It was 0 – 0 against Aston Villa despite Aston Villa playing the last part of the game with 10 men.
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Although the champions scored four goals, they have been heavily linked with Newcastle striker Isak, who is said to be their number one target.
The summer transfer window is coming to an end, and the deadline of September 1 puts pressure on the clubs to complete the reinforcements.
With September approaching, Sacha Tavolieri claims Liverpool will be open to other attacking targets if no deal with Newcastle is agreed by next week, while links to Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola continue.
Should Liverpool move on from Alexander Isak?
Liverpool’s attackers impressed against Bournemouth, and after also scoring in the Community Shield against Crystal Palace on August 10, striker Hugo Ekitike seems to have adapted to life on Merseyside.
The 23-year-old’s development could be jeopardised if Isak is signed, as the Newcastle striker would almost certainly take his place as the starting number nine. Perhaps Liverpool should reconsider their priorities.
There is an argument that the club would benefit more from focusing on defensive reinforcements, as they have seemed vulnerable on the counter-attack – even though a deal for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi is reportedly approaching.
Coach Arne Slot still needs to sign at least one attacking player if he is to help his team defend their Premier League title, especially after both Darwin Núñez and Luis Díaz have been sold.
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Would Bradley Barcola be a good option in this transfer window?
Isak would probably have pushed Ekitike out on the left wing, but the addition of PSG striker Barcola would have allowed Liverpool’s current number nine to remain in a central role.
Barcola has mainly played from the left in his career, and his fight, speed and creativity could make him a suitable replacement for Díaz.
The Frenchman is not as goal-scoring as Isak – his 14 league goals in 2024/25 is his best ever season total.
Isak scored 23 goals in the Premier League last season, his second straight season with over 20 league goals, and some have called him England’s best striker.
If Liverpool are planning for a future without talisman Mohamed Salah, they will have to replace his goal, and the 25-year-old Swede would help mitigate the impact of the Egyptian’s eventual departure.
