9 hours ago
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Alexander Isak might have to forgo his preferred shirt number if he makes the move to Liverpool.
The Newcastle forward is high on the Reds' list of attacking targets, and while a transfer seemed unlikely this summer, Isak's recent decision to explore his options has changed the game.
Newcastle had previously declared the 25-year-old off-limits at any cost, leading Liverpool to look elsewhere. This resulted in a swift deal for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike. But Isak's apparent desire for a change has reignited interest at Anfield. To secure the services of the Swedish international, Liverpool will likely need to shatter the British transfer record for a second time this window, having already splashed out £116.5 million ($156.3 million) on Florian Wirtz.
Earlier this month, Newcastle reportedly turned down a £120 million ($161.2 million) bid from the Reds, fuelling rumors that the Magpies could demand more than £150 million ($201.5 million)
Another twist in the potential deal is the matter of shirt numbers. Isak has always been fond of the No. 14 shirt, famously worn by his idol Thierry Henry, but that number is currently taken at Liverpool by Federico Chiesa. He's also partial to the No. 9 shirt, which he has donned for several years on the international stage.
The No. 9 shirt at Anfield is currently worn by Darwin Nunez, yet the Uruguayan striker's future is shrouded in speculation with rumours of a summer departure, potentially paving the way for Isak to claim the prestigious number. If Liverpool manages to secure the Newcastle forward, Nunez could see his position in the squad further challenged, especially with Ekitike and Cody Gakpo also competing for playing time, possibly hastening his Anfield exit.
Even if Nunez remains with the Reds, there's history to suggest he might willingly relinquish the No. 9 jersey. In a notable act last year, he handed over his international number to Uruguayan icon Luis Suarez upon his return to the national team after a long absence.
Suarez, who famously sported the No. 7 during his spell at Liverpool, was moved by Nunez's decision, lauding his humility. "He, with the humility that he has, a very good kid, said, 'No, Luis, you're the No. 9. I'm going to respect you,'" Suarez reminisced. "Those are details that demonstrate the greatness and humility of a player who is going to be one of the best, if not [already] one of the best in the world today."
It's uncertain whether Nunez would extend the same gesture to Isak, or if Federico Chiesa, who currently holds Isak's favoured No. 14 shirt, would do so. Isak has openly expressed his fondness for the No. 14, attributing it to his admiration for Henry, who wore the number at Arsenal and Barcelona.
In a conversation with Newcastle legend Alan Shearer earlier in January, Isak revealed: "Thierry Henry was definitely one player I liked a bit extra. Many great players have had No. 14. [David] Ginola at Newcastle. When I signed for Newcastle, out of the numbers that were available, I think 14 was the iconic one. I'm happy with No. 14, but on the other hand, I know No. 9 is a special shirt."
Isak has donned the No. 14 jersey at Newcastle, Borussia Dortmund, and occasionally for Sweden. While at Real Sociedad, he wore No. 19 – a number currently taken by Liverpool's Harvey Elliott. Yet, with rumors swirling about Elliott's potential summer exit, the No. 19 could become an option.
Currently, the Isak transfer narrative is in a delicate pause. The Swedish forward hasn't joined Newcastle's preseason activities, largely due to the ongoing rumors about his future. Eddie Howe, the Magpies' boss, has stated that no swift decision will be made regarding Isak, acknowledging the possibility of a sale but expressing confidence in Isak's stay.
"I wouldn't put a timescale on it. I think with these situations it has to be right for the football club, and everything then is taken into context below that," he told reporters. "But the club will make the right decision with all the information that it has, and ultimately to try and move the club forward in whatever way that is. Then it's up to us to make good decisions the other way and try and improve the squad as best we can. That's what we're trying to do, regardless of Alex's situation.
"But I think there's a wider picture here. There's 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-day transfers. The manager, of course, has an opinion, but ultimately the decision will rest with the board."
"Of course, there are things going on behind the scenes [with Alex]. He will be aware he's in the news every day, and I'm sure that's not easy for anyone in that situation. Conversations that happen between Alex and the club or Alex and myself will stay private for obvious reasons. We do share a really good relationship with him.
"He's been magnificent for us and he's very popular in the dressing room. We'd love him to continue his journey at Newcastle. I certainly hope he stays. And I said [last weekend] I was confident that he'd stay. I don't see anything that's going to change that opinion of mine at the moment, but it's football and who knows what the future may bring.
"All I would say on the broader picture is whatever happens has to be right for Newcastle. We're in a very strong position financially. We're determined to be successful. We are ambitious. We've got a great season ahead of us. We need to add to the squad and continue to improve, and the journey can continue in an upward trajectory."
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