Liverpool manager Arne Slot has refused to rule out a fresh move for Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, as the Premier League champions weigh up options to boost their already formidable attacking lineup.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s Community Shield clash against Crystal Palace at Wembley, Slot acknowledged that Liverpool’s forward line is already packed with quality but suggested the club remains open to market opportunities.
“You never talk about players that are not yours,” Slot told reporters. “I think we have a lot of attacking power in our team. When I think about Cody Gakpo, Federico Chiesa, Hugo Ekitike, Mo Salah, Jeremie Frimpong — who can play as a right-winger — and Florian Wirtz, who can play as a left-winger, I already feel I have a lot of attacking options. But, as always as a club, we are always looking at the chances in the market.”
Isak’s future at Newcastle remains uncertain. The Swedish forward has been excluded from the Magpies’ pre-season preparations and ordered to train separately from the first team.
The speculation comes as Liverpool prepare for the imminent departure of striker Darwin Nunez, who is close to sealing a £46 million switch to Saudi side Al Hilal. Nunez’s exit is one of several significant sales expected to help offset the club’s nearly £300 million summer spending spree, which has already brought in forwards Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike, as well as full-backs Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong.
Mourning the Loss of Diogo Jota
Liverpool’s summer has also been overshadowed by tragedy following the death of Portuguese forward Diogo Jota in a car accident in northern Spain last month. Jota and his brother were travelling back to England for pre-season when the crash occurred.
The club has since retired Jota’s number 20 shirt, with a “Forever 20” emblem to be printed on players’ shirts this season. A permanent memorial will also be installed at Anfield.
“First of all, tragedy impacted us but it impacted far more his wife, children and parents,” Slot said. “But it impacted us as well, definitely. The tributes that have been done since were all very emotional and impressive. It started off in Preston and in Asia as well. It’s been emotional, but impressive too.”
Liverpool will aim to start their season on a high with victory in the Community Shield, but speculation over their transfer activity — and the emotional weight of Jota’s passing — will remain key talking points as the new campaign kicks off.
