Lewis Steele has not dismissed the possibility of Liverpool securing a second high-profile signing this summer, after finalising a record-breaking deal for Florian Wirtz.
The Reds have reached an agreement with Bayer Leverkusen worth £116m for the German playmaker, a figure that would make him the most expensive signing in English football history if all add-ons are activated (The Athletic). Wirtz is expected to complete his medical on Merseyside this Friday.
Another major name linked with the Premier League champions in recent months is Alexander Isak. According to BBC journalist Sami Mokbel, the Newcastle striker is said to be ‘intrigued’ by the idea of joining Arne Slot’s team.
Steele Hints at Liverpool Move for Isak But Admits It’s Unlikely
In a Monday evening update on his YouTube channel, Lewis Steele stopped short of dismissing the idea of Liverpool making a move for the Swedish striker this summer. However, he admitted that the financial demands of such a deal make it an unlikely prospect following the high-cost signing of Wirtz.
The Daily Mail’s Merseyside football correspondent said: “What we can say is that Newcastle don’t want to sell him for cheap. I’d say it’d have to be, let’s say a ballpark figure of £130m-£140m.
“Are Liverpool realistically gonna pay that in a summer where they’ve signed Florian Wirtz? It’s hard to see but I wouldn’t completely rule it out.”
Steele added: “I think the sole thing here lies with Alexander Isak. What does he want? If Liverpool do go knocking for him, he may let them in. He may have a conversation with them. As far as we’re aware, his agents have probably already spoken to Liverpool a number of times.
“It seems very tricky, and I won’t say I’ve a sneaky feeling on it like I did with Florian Wirtz, but the noise is always there.”
Could Liverpool Still Make a Move for Isak This Summer?
It’s no exaggeration that Lewis Steele described Alexander Isak as a “Michelin-starred restaurant ribeye prime cut steak” among centre-forwards, and more plainly, as “one of the best strikers in the world”.
The Newcastle frontman finished last season as the Premier League’s second-highest goalscorer with 23 goals, trailing only Mo Salah’s 29. He boasts an outstanding record of 62 goals in 109 appearances for Eddie Howe’s team, playing a key role in guiding them to Champions League qualification on two occasions and lifting the Carabao Cup earlier this year.
With Darwin Nunez continuing to draw interest from clubs abroad and likely to be sold this summer, Liverpool could be in the hunt for a new striker. In that regard, Isak – Newcastle’s number 14 – would represent a sensational acquisition if the Premier League champions manage to secure his signature.
That said, Steele rightly points out that affording such a move could prove difficult. Even if Liverpool were to raise funds through outgoing transfers and submit a bid close to £140m, there’s no guarantee Newcastle would be willing to accept.
Still, there remains a sense of optimism. With the imminent arrival of Florian Wirtz, FSG have demonstrated that – despite their cautious spending reputation – they’re prepared to splash out if the right player becomes available.
In other news, ‘Massive’: BBC Journalist Says Deal for ‘Incredible’ Liverpool Target Could Be Even Bigger Than Florian Wirtz