Liverpool appear to be far from done in the summer transfer market, despite already bringing in three new signings.
The Reds are looking to strengthen their squad further following the additions of Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, and Jeremie Frimpong. Their focus now shifts to bolstering the attack, with a particular emphasis on signing a No. 9.
Darwin Nunez is set to leave Anfield this summer, with Arne Slot informing Nunez he is not in his plans.
Alexander Isak is said be Liverpool’s dream signing, but signing him will not be easy. However, they will be encouraged about their prospects of securing him after what Newcastle have done.
Photo by George Wood/Getty ImagesBoost for Liverpool in pursuit of Alexander Isak as Newcastle transfer news emerges
The Reds will be boosted by recent developments at Newcastle. TBR Football reported on Friday that Newcastle have made a £50m bid for Joao Pedro.
Brighton rejected the bid as they are seeking a fee close to £60m, however, given how little a gap there is in the valuation, a deal is likely to be agreed with an improved offer.
TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey is confident that Newcastle will sign Pedro. Speaking to Geordie Boot Boys, he said:
“Joao Pedro to Newcastle is looking likely from what I am told. It could come in at under £60million, which would represent good business.
“There is circumstances surrounding his potential exit, which Newcastle could take advantage of. We know why he is available in the first place, and he does want to leave Brighton. They are open to selling him. His position is not untenable, but they are happy to move him on.”
It has been suggested that while signing Isak is not going to be easy, Newcastle signing Pedro could relatively improve the chances of Liverpool signing Isak.
Newcastle’s long-standing interest in Joao Pedro
This isn’t the first time Newcastle have tracked Pedro, having held a long-standing interest in the former Watford striker.
They first tried to sign him in 2022 but shifted focus to Isak once that deal became feasible. Now, with interest renewed, questions arise over Isak’s long-term future.
Statistically, Isak has been the more prolific of the two, scoring 23 goals in 34 league games last season, while Pedro netted 10 in 27.
Per 90 minutes, Isak leads with 0.66 xG (expected goals) compared to Pedro’s 0.41, though Pedro edges him in xAG (expected assisted goals) with 0.23 to 0.14.
If Newcastle are forced to sell Isak, Pedro would be an ideal replacement for him.
How Liverpool could line up with Isak
If Liverpool succeed in landing Isak, their attack would gain a new layer of fluidity and firepower.
The Reds were already relentless last season, clinching the Premier League title and posting a league-best 82.2 xG.
With Isak and Wirtz joining an already stacked squad, plus defensive upgrades in Frimpong and Kerkez, the team looks unbeatable.
A possible XI for Liverpool could be: Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Wirtz; Salah, Isak, Gakpo.
In this setup, Isak can lead the line or drift wide, rotating in game with Gakpo, Salah doing his magic from the right and Wirtz pulling the strings from the midfield.