Liverpool are still interested in signing Alexander Isak, but Arne Slot has been warned against a move for the Newcastle United striker.
Liverpool’s Premier League title defence kicks off on Friday night as Bournemouth visit Anfield.
The Reds have already enjoyed a busy summer, with the likes of Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike arriving.
Liverpool are now close to signing Giovanni Leoni from Parma, with the teenage defender on the verge of a £30million switch.
Liverpool could revisit a move for Marc Guehi, but a deal for the Crystal Palace defender has hit a stumbling block.
Arne Slot wants defensive additions, but Liverpool remain interested in signing Alexander Isak from Newcastle United.
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty ImagesPaul Merson warns Liverpool against Alexander Isak deal
Newcastle snubbed Liverpool’s opening bid for Isak, believed to be worth around £120million.
The Reds are still keen, but there has been little progress on a potential deal for the Swedish striker.
Isak wants the move to Anfield and looks set to miss Newcastle’s Premier League opener as he pursues a move away.
Paul Merson has concerns, though, and believes that Liverpool should actually avoid a move for Isak.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Merson shared his belief that signing Isak would give Slot a headache in terms of juggling attackers.
Richard Hughes leads Liverpool’s transfer business, but all business will be done with Slot’s approval.
Merson thinks signing Isak would cause ‘problems’ for Slot and Liverpool, and can’t understand the ‘desperation’ to sign him.
The former Arsenal man thinks Liverpool would be better off spending on defensive options, claiming the Reds have ‘more than enough’ in attack without Isak.
“There’s plenty for Arne Slot to ponder going into the new season. Last season couldn’t have gone any better for him, but it feels like there is so much more for him to work out now,” said Merson.
“Last year, I thought the team virtually picked itself. However, this year there seems like a lot of competition for places, and it will be tricky to keep everyone happy. Potentially throw in Alexander Isak, and that problem gets bigger.
“Ekitike looked very good against Crystal Palace. Wirtz is also a top player. Everyone is going to enjoy watching him play this season. Throw in Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah, and there are more than enough options there.
“Why the desperation for Isak when it’s obvious they so desperately need another defender? Adding Isak causes more problems, if anything, because all the forwards can’t all play. Slot will have to mix things up and change things constantly to keep everyone happy, and that causes problems,” he added.
Liverpool’s flexibility in attack should not be forgotten
Merson clearly rates Liverpool’s attacking options highly, but a move for Isak shouldn’t cause too many issues.
Liverpool have sold Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez this summer, and the Reds suffered the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.
Ekitike and Wirtz have arrived, but Ekitike can play on the left if absolutely needed, while Wirtz can operate as a number 10 or in from the left flank.
Gakpo can also play up front or out wide, so Slot can be flexible with his attacking ranks should Isak arrive.
That should ease any fears around unhappy players, and Slot surely wouldn’t approve a move for Isak – just weeks after signing Ekitike – if he didn’t think he could juggle all of his forwards effectively.
Slot certainly needs attacking additions before the deadline, and Isak could be the man if Liverpool come up with an enormous offer.