The most significant news from the transfer rumor mill this week is that Liverpool is ready to break the British transfer record they set earlier this summer for Florian Wirtz, this time aiming to acquire Alexander Isak for Anfield. The Premier League champions, now officially the most decorated club in English football history, are fully committed to making improvements while they can still bask in the glory of their recent success.
With the full-back duo of Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez already signed, Arne Slot’s team shows no indication of slowing down. As both Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez are rumored to be leaving, the Reds are actively seeking a new striker, and few players are as well-suited to enhance their attack as Isak, who has scored an impressive 54 goals in 86 Premier League matches since joining Newcastle in 2022.
However, as reported by the Daily Mail, Liverpool is not relying solely on one option. The club is said to be monitoring six alternative striker candidates in case the Magpies are unwilling to let go of their most valuable player.
Ollie Watkins’ ascent to fame since Unai Emery’s tenure began at Villa Park has been remarkable, and arguably, it has not received the attention it deserves.
The England international has been a dependable source of goals for Aston Villa over the past five years, establishing himself as one of the premier forwards in the English top division after commencing his career at Exeter City.
With 16 goals and eight assists in the league last season, he excels not only in scoring but also in facilitating play, showcasing his ability to convert opportunities he would frequently encounter at Anfield.
Yoane WissaBrentford’s Yoane Wissa stands out as the most overlooked candidate on Liverpool’s radar should their efforts to acquire Isak falter, yet he possesses the potential to deliver immediate rewards. With 19 goals in the Premier League last season, he has the capability to create and finish chances independently, even in the absence of teammates like Bryan Mbuemo.
Possessing remarkable speed and a natural talent for pressing, he would seamlessly integrate into Slot’s system, although his age (28) may pose a challenge for a recruitment team focused on future development.
Victor OsimhenVictor Osimhen’s capabilities have been recognized since his arrival at Lille in 2019, but it was not until 2022 that the world fully appreciated the extent of the relentless Nigerian’s skill. Towering in stature, with exceptional speed, aerial prowess, and precise finishing, Osimhen has netted nearly every conceivable type of goal during his time at Napoli, propelling them to the Serie A title in 2023 with 26 goals in 32 league appearances.
Despite his remarkable performances for Napoli, he had a falling out with the club last summer and opted for a temporary stint at Galatasaray, a decision that proved to be highly successful and could soon lead him to a move to England – particularly if the speculation regarding a potential swap deal for Nunez materializes.
Part of Liverpool’s discussions with Newcastle regarding Isak included a caution: should the Magpies decline to release the Swedish international, the Reds are ready to intercept their pursuit of prolific Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike instead. The Bundesliga team has already rejected a £70 million bid from Newcastle, but they may soon be preparing for another attempt – this time from Anfield.
The Frenchman, who has just celebrated his 23rd birthday, directly contributed to 23 goals in 33 Bundesliga appearances during the 2024/25 season. He perfectly aligns with what Liverpool’s management is looking for in their next number nine, as his strength and athleticism distinguish him from other options.
Some Liverpool fans have voiced concerns about the club monitoring out-of-favour Real Madrid winger Rodrygo after the Brazilian international’s remarks about Mohamed Salah from the 2022 Champions League final resurfaced. However, his star quality is undeniable.
Often eclipsed by players like Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe, the speedy 24-year-old has quietly established himself as a performer for significant moments – scoring five goals in each of his last four Champions League seasons while remaining under the radar at the Bernabeu.
Marcus Rashford, a childhood idol for Manchester United fans, was also mentioned as a possible target, but reports indicate that the initial discussions have not progressed significantly. The prospect of seeing the Englishman don a different shade of red this summer appears highly improbable – yet it is widely anticipated that Rashford, who spent the latter half of last season on loan at Aston Villa, will soon be playing his football away from Old Trafford.
At his peak, the Carrington academy graduate can be unstoppable. However, recently, things have not quite aligned. He has developed a tendency to clash with managers and has been spending more time socializing than performing – a situation that England’s most successful club surely cannot afford.