Alexander Isak to Liverpool has legs, serious legs. And that means the Swede will need a shirt number at Anfield if the move materialises.
Isak looks Liverpool-bound this summer, with the Reds launching a world-record bid for the Swede to lure him to Anfield.
Isak wants Liverpool, and as TBR Football revealed, is waiting for the second bid from the Reds, which could get up to around the £140m mark.
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
The 25-year-old will need a number on the back of his shirt, which is unclear given his fondness for two in particular.
Alexander Isak will need to make a Liverpool number decision
14 or nine? That’s the predicament the Swede will find himself in should his move go through.
Isak has adorned the No.14 at Newcastle, making it a rather “iconic” number for the Tyneside club. The striker also has a soft spot for legends Thierry Henry and Johan Cruyff, which influenced his choice – plus he wore this number at Borussia Dortmund.
“When I signed for Newcastle, out of the numbers available, 14 was the most iconic one,” Isak said as he explained last season why he wears the No.14 for the Magpies.
However, Isak is also fond of the No. 9 shirt. He wears that for Sweden, and in an interview with Alan Shearer, he knows the number is “special”.
“I’m doing well and I’m happy with the number 14, but on the other hand, I know the number nine is a special shirt,” he told BBC Sport.
Hugo Ekitike recently took the number 22, so the two numbers are in the mix – the only catch is that it is currently occupied, but maybe not for long.
Isak’s decision will depend on Darwin Nunez and Federico Chiesa
Darwin Nunez and Federico Chiesa are the duo who have the current numbers 14 and nine, respectively. However, both are linked with Liverpool exits this summer.
TBR Football exclusively revealed Darwin Nunez has agreed to personal terms with the Saudi Pro League to leave Liverpool.
Photo by Kenta Harada/Getty Images
Chiesa, on the other hand, is a little trickier – with no clubs currently wanting to take a punt on the injury-prone winger.
That said, you’d think that if either of the pair did stay, Isak could potentially enquire about their numbers anyway.
Alas, the Swede is yet to make the move, and will undoubtedly have bigger things on his mind than the number on the back of his jersey.