Liverpool have begun the 2025/26 campaign carrying a level of expectation absent when Arne Slot first took charge a year ago.
The reigning Premier League champions have secured victories in their opening two league fixtures, yet conceding four goals and relying on late winners against Bournemouth and Newcastle United underline the need for further improvement from Slot’s side.
With the summer transfer window entering its final stages, clubs across the Premier League and Europe are pushing to finalise long-running negotiations.
Liverpool are among them. Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi remains a leading target, with discussions reportedly still ongoing.
However, one player above all others has become the primary focus of sporting director Richard Hughes.
Liverpool Reach Agreement for Top Target
Liverpool’s priority as the transfer window enters its final stages remains the pursuit of Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak.
The Magpies have struggled throughout the summer and are yet to secure a new centre-forward. A second offer from FSG, following the rejection of a £110m bid at the beginning of August, is expected only if positive signals emerge from Tyneside, which has not yet been the case.
Nevertheless, Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenberg has reported that Liverpool have already agreed personal terms with the Sweden international and are waiting patiently to conclude the deal.
Officials from PIF attempted to persuade the 25-year-old to remain after Liverpool’s victory at St James’ Park, but Isak has not altered his position.
A substantial fee would be required to prise the striker from Eddie Howe’s side, with Newcastle continuing to value him at £150m.
What Alexander Isak Would Bring to Liverpool
What would Isak offer Liverpool? Goals—and plenty of them.
The tall centre-forward struck 27 times for Newcastle across all competitions last season, including against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final, and finished second only to Mohamed Salah in the Premier League scoring charts.
Praised by Jamie Carragher as “the best striker in the Premier League” for his performances last term, Isak stood out as the most complete and effective forward in the division. His arrival would provide a major boost to a Liverpool side already rich in attacking talent.
Far more than just a clinical finisher, the £120,000-per-week forward excels in link-up play, combining pace and fluid movement across the frontline. His all-round qualities were noted as early as 2022, when journalist David Cartlidge described him as “unplayable” during his time at Real Sociedad.
Standing 6ft 3in, Isak’s height, strength, and ability to operate in wider attacking areas suggest he could perform a role similar to Cody Gakpo at Liverpool, though the Dutchman is more naturally suited to the flanks.
| Gakpo vs Isak (past 365 days) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Stats (per 90) | Gakpo | Isak |
| Goals | 0.51 | 0.80 |
| Assists | 0.26 | 0.17 |
| Shots taken | 2.64 | 3.14 |
| Shot-creating actions | 3.78 | 3.07 |
| Pass completion | 74.5% | 75.8% |
| Touches (att pen) | 5.25 | 6.15 |
| Progressive passes | 2.68 | 3.00 |
| Progressive carries | 3.12 | 2.73 |
| Successful take-ons | 1.43 | 1.43 |
| Data Source: FBref | ||
Cody Gakpo offers more in terms of creative contribution compared to Alexander Isak, frequently drifting into the penalty area with a consistency that sets him apart from most wide forwards.
Both attackers, however, share notable similarities. They are sharp in possession, active in progressive passing sequences, and effective carriers of the ball, regularly taking on opponents with comparable success rates.
On the opening day of the season against Bournemouth, Gakpo underlined his versatility by scoring, creating several key chances, and winning numerous duels across the pitch.
While Gakpo’s running style and dribbling ability appear well-suited to a defined role on the left flank, Isak has also proven his capability when deployed out wide.
Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope once described the Sweden international as “like a wizard” after a dazzling display down the left wing against Everton in 2023, when he created a goal in remarkable fashion.
Isak’s pedigree also includes experience in the Dutch Eredivisie, where he first made his mark as a prolific striker during a loan spell at Willem II in 2018/19, scoring 14 goals in 18 appearances.
Liverpool turned to the Dutch league in January 2023 to secure Gakpo from PSV Eindhoven, signing the forward after his standout performances for the Netherlands at the 2022 World Cup, where he scored in each of the group-stage matches.
The 25-year-old initially required time to adapt to the demands of English football, but under Arne Slot he has flourished, with Peter Crouch noting that Gakpo has “gone up a level.” He has since become a key figure in Liverpool’s attack, particularly following Luis Díaz’s departure to Bayern Munich.
Isak, in contrast, already possesses three years of Premier League experience and would be expected to make an immediate impact, potentially guiding Liverpool toward silverware this season and in the years ahead.
With proven top-flight credentials and an attacking style that mirrors Gakpo’s productivity in the final third, the Newcastle forward could emerge as a decisive addition to Liverpool’s squad, capping off what would be a remarkable transfer window.
In other news, How Liverpool Could Seal Alexander Isak Transfer Following £77m Newcastle Agreement