Liverpool are holding out on signing Alexander Isak before the Premier League transfer window slams shut on 1 September at 7pm.
The Anfield hierarchy must have confidence that they will be able to sign Isak with time rapidly running out to complete their business.
As things stand, Arne Slot’s attacking depth is the worst out of the title hopefuls. Arsenal, with their move to sign Eze, are bolstering their quality and options further after adding Gyokeres and Madueke.
Man City have similar depth to Liverpool but currently edge it.
Slot’s only senior attackers are Salah, Gakpo, Ekitike and Chiesa. Rio Ngumoha is a super-talent but he’s not to be rushed.
Florian Wirtz can also play on the left-wing but he’s better when given the freedom to drift between the lines and across the pitch. Interestingly, the official Liverpool website has Wirtz listed as a forward.
That said, Newcastle are operating from a position of power despite Isak’s attempts to force their hand and are not showing signs that they will be bullied by the cirtcumstances.
Further clarification of Newcastle’s stance on selling Isak to Liverpool before Deadline Day
Earlier this week, the Telegraph’s Luke Edwards wrote on Twitter: “Well the stance has been pretty clear. Pay £150m if we sign two strikers this summer – one of which has to be of equal quality to Isak – and maybe we’ll do this dance.”
The Indendent’s chief football writer, Miguel Delaney, wrote in the Inside Football newsletter that Newcastle are willing to be “pragmatic” about the situation but on their terms.
Delaney, meanwhile, said: “The truth is that players agitate [for a move] because, in the words of one insider, “they know it generally works.
“Clubs don’t want to keep someone that is causing problems, and ultimately want full value. That’s one reason it has been a distinctive theme of this summer, with Brentford’s Yoane Wissa offering a mirror of Isak.
“The strategy is often described as “player power”, but it’s actually because their power is surprisingly limited. They only have brief periods of leverage, as Isak may find if he is still at Newcastle next Tuesday.
“The mistake that Isak has made is in provoking more emotion in a case that had previously been mostly business. Newcastle were willing to be pragmatic. Now, their pride is stinging. Liverpool are currently highly unlikely to get their man.”
Liverpool facing massive challenge after Isak/Newcastle statements
Liverpool have very little agency at the moment.
They could submit a bid but until Newcastle sign two attackers, it’s not likely it would be accepted. I even doubt a £150m bid at this stage would succeed.
Newcastle seem quite prepared to call Isak’s bluff and keep him.
