Davis: “There are a lot of steps to overcome to even see Isak in a Liverpool shirt” | OneFootball

Liverpool and the £120M Alexander Isak Race: Feasible or Fantasy?

Liverpool’s ongoing search for attacking reinforcements has seen a familiar name emerge once again—Newcastle’s Alexander Isak. As reported on The Daily Red podcast from Anfield Index, Dave Davis examined the growing speculation surrounding Isak’s potential move to Anfield, discussing both the feasibility and the obstacles in Liverpool’s pursuit of the Swedish striker.

Liverpool’s Interest in Isak: A Genuine Target or Just Talk?

Dave Davis was quick to highlight that Liverpool’s admiration for Isak is well documented, but that doesn’t necessarily mean a deal is close: “Liverpool really like this player, but it would be easy to just drop it in there—no chance, not happening.”

That scepticism is backed by journalist David Lynch, who has also played down the links. However, the fact that Isak’s name continues to surface in Liverpool discussions suggests there is some level of interest.

The reported price tag for Isak is a staggering £120M, a fee that would make him one of the most expensive signings in Liverpool’s history. Davis noted: “120 million pounds seems to be the going mark at the same time as well.”

With FSG’s well-documented approach to financial sustainability, splashing that kind of money on one player would likely require significant departures to fund such a move.

Newcastle’s Champions League Fate Could Decide Isak’s Future

A key factor in any potential deal is Newcastle’s qualification for the Champions League. Davis made it clear that if Eddie Howe’s side secure a top-five finish, Isak will almost certainly remain at St James’ Park: “If Newcastle qualify for the Champions League, it becomes near on impossible. In fact, for me, if they do, I would almost dismiss it straight away.”

Photo: IMAGO

Newcastle currently sit outside the top five, but with key fixtures to come, their final position remains uncertain. If they miss out on Europe’s elite competition, Liverpool’s chances of prising Isak away increase dramatically.

Davis also speculated on Isak’s own ambitions, suggesting that failure to secure Champions League football could prompt him to push for an exit: “Isak has to say, ‘Because we’re not in the Champions League, I want to go, I want to depart Newcastle.’”

Liverpool’s Attack: Who Makes Way for Isak?

For Liverpool to fund a move for Isak, sales would be necessary, with multiple forwards reportedly under consideration for departure. Davis pointed to Darwin Núñez as the most likely candidate to leave: “You suspect Núñez is going to depart—I think everyone suspects that.”

He also mentioned Luis Díaz and Diogo Jota as potential exits: “Probably another, maybe Díaz for me most likely. Others are speculated on—Jota being one as well. Maybe both, who knows?”

If Liverpool were to sell one or two of their established forwards, the logic of moving for a striker like Isak becomes clearer.

Injury Concerns and Alternatives

Despite his talent, Isak does come with some risk, particularly regarding his injury record. Davis raised concerns about his availability over a full season: “If you just look on average, he does miss approximately, give or take, 20 to 25% of games a season.”

For a player commanding such a hefty transfer fee, that could be a significant drawback.

Liverpool are also monitoring other forward options, including PSG’s Hugo Ekitike. Comparing the two, Davis pointed out: “Ekitike profiles very similar [to Isak]… but he doesn’t pass the ball as well, and his touches in the box and aerials are not as good.”

The French forward would likely be a cheaper option but comes with the added challenge of adapting to the Premier League—a factor that has been a stumbling block for recent signings.

Deal or No Deal? The Verdict

After outlining all the hurdles, Davis concluded with a pragmatic assessment: “Do I think this is going to happen? No, unlikely. Would I completely dismiss it? No. There are a lot of steps to overcome to even see Isak in a Liverpool shirt.”

Liverpool’s interest in Isak appears to be real, but the challenges involved in securing his signature are significant. Newcastle’s Champions League status, Isak’s willingness to push for a move, and Liverpool’s financial approach will all be decisive factors.

For now, the Daily Red podcast has provided a detailed roadmap of how this potential transfer could unfold—but whether it materialises remains to be seen.