Liverpool wants to close a blockbuster deal for Alexander Isak this summer, but as the things are, they cannot offer the Swede his two preferred team
Alexander Isak could be denied his dream shirt number if he joins Liverpool. The Newcastle striker is the top attacking target of the Reds, and although a movement initially seemed out of reach this summer, the recent request from Isak to explore his options has shifted the landscape.
Newcastle had previously insisted that the 25-year-old could not be purchased for any price, so Liverpool would focus their attention elsewhere. That led to a £ 79 million deal for Eintracht Frankfurt Vooruit Hugo Ekitike was hastily sealed. The apparent urge of Isak for a movement, however, has re -applied the interest at Anfield.
To secure the Swedish international, Liverpool will almost certainly have to break the British transfer record for the second time, this window, after he has already spent £ 116.5 million to Florian Wirtz. Earlier this month, Newcastle reportedly rejected a £ 120 million approach to Reds, with speculation assembly that the Magpies could demand more than £ 150 million.
Another layer to the potential deal is the problem of shirt numbers. Isak has long preferred the number 14 shirt – worn by his idol Thierry Henry – but that number is currently occupied in Liverpool by Federico Chiesa. He is also a fan of the number 9 shirt and has worn it on the international stage for several years.
The No. 9 is currently from Darwin Nunez, but the Uruguayan is strongly connected this summer with a move from Anfield – possibly opening the door for Isak to inherit the iconic number. If Liverpool lands the Newcastle striker, Nunez would push itself further into the pecking order, especially with Ekitike and Cody Gakpo who also fight for minutes. That in turn could accelerate his exit.
Even if Nunez stays, there is a precedent that suggests that he would give up the number 9 shirt willingly. Last year he handed out the number at international level to Uruguay legend Luis Suarez, who returned to the team after a long absence.
SUAREZ – who wore famous no. 7 during his time in Liverpool – was touched by the gesture and praised the character of Nunez. “He, with the humility he has, said a very good child,” no, louse, you are no. 9. I’m going to respect you, “Suarez recalled.
“Those are details that demonstrate the greatness and humility of a player who becomes one of the best, if not [already] One of the best in the world today. “
Whether NUNEZ would offer the same courtesy to Isak can still be seen. The same can be said for Chiesa, Die Isak’s Dream No. 14 -shirt holds.
Isak has previously explained the roots of his affection for No. 14. In January he said in the Newcastle legend Alan Shearer: “Thierry Henry [who wore No. 14 at Arsenal and Barcelona] Was definitely a player that I liked a little extra.
“Many great players have had no. 14. [David] Ginola in Newcastle. When I signed for Newcastle, from the available figures, I think 14 was iconic. I am happy with No. 14, but on the other hand I know that no. 9 is a special shirt. “
Isak has worn the No. 14 in Newcastle, Borussia Dortmund and occasionally with the Swedish national team. At Real Sociedad he wore the number 19 – a number that was currently occupied in Liverpool by Harvey Elliott. With Elliott, however, also for a summer deviation, that shirt could present another alternative.
For now, the Isak Transfer Saga is on a tense stagnation. The Swede still has to participate in Newcastle’s preparations for the season, largely because of the speculation around his future.
Magpies Manager Eddie Howe claimed that no immediate decision would be made about Isak, and although he admitted that there was a chance that the striker would be sold, he insisted that he would remain “confident” waxak.
“I would not put a timetable on it. I think it should be suitable for the football club with these situations, and everything is taken in context,” he said reporters.
“But the club will make the right decision with all the information it has, and ultimately to try to help the club in any way. Then it is up to us to make good decisions the other way and improve the team as well as possible. That is what we try to do, regardless of Alex’s situation.
“But I think there is a wider photo here. There is a whole football club that has to make the decision. The ownership, together with the board of directors, especially with the money involved in modern transfers. The manager of course has an opinion, but in the end the decision will rest with the board.”
‘Of course things go behind the scenes [with Alex]. He will be aware that he is in the news every day, and I am sure that this is not easy for anyone in that situation. Conversations that take place between Alex and the Club of Alex and I will remain private for obvious reasons. We share a really good relationship with him.
“He is beautiful for us and he is very popular in the dressing room. We want him to continue his journey in Newcastle. I hope he will stay for sure. And I said [last weekend] I was convinced that he would stay. At the moment I don’t see anything that the opinion of me is going to change, but it’s football and who knows what the future can bring.
“Everything I would say about the wider image is that everything that happens is good for Newcastle. We are financially in a very strong position. We are determined to be successful. We are ambitious. We have a great season ahead of us. We have to add to the team and continue to improve, and the journey can continue in an upward route.”
Become a member of our new WhatsApp community And receive your daily dose of mirror football content. We also deal with our members of the community on special offers, promotions and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can view every time you like. If you are curious, you can read our Privacy statement.
#Darwin #Nunezs #shirt #number #Uturn #Alexander #Isak #Dream #Liverpool #Issue