2 weeks ago
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Liverpool's summer spending has now exceeded $300 million following the confirmed signing of Hugo Ekitike, securing the Frenchman from Frankfurt to fill the coveted No. 9 spot.
Many viewed this move as an alternative to Newcastle star Alexander Isak, who would have been significantly more difficult and costly to acquire. However, with news that the forward is considering his options, rumors of a transfer to Anfield have resurfaced.
Despite a quiet summer last year, Liverpool has the capacity to invest more than $100 million, which is the estimated minimum cost to secure Isak. The Reds are believed to remain interested and could face little competition if they decide to pursue Isak.
Earlier this year, Arsenal had Isak at the top of its summer shortlist, but deemed him unattainable after Newcastle secured Champions League qualification. The Gunners have since pursued other targets.
Chelsea, who expressed interest last summer, is currently focusing on bringing in RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons, having already signed Liam Delap and Joao Pedro.
However, whether Liverpool can successfully integrate Isak into their starting line-up remains to be seen. While squad depth is important, trying to accommodate more than $200 million worth of strikers, both vying for the No. 9 position, could prove problematic and potentially stir up issues the team could do without.
Harmony can often be undervalued, but bringing in Isak would certainly leave Slot with a dilemma that is both appealing and problematic. Mohamed Salah remains the only player guaranteed his place on the right flank. Everything else is open to question.
That said, any boardroom that splashes out a British-record transfer fee on a player will expect him to feature regularly if he's to justify that investment. Florian Wirtz comes with enormous expectations and is anticipated to operate in a creative position just behind the striker.
This would essentially rule out deploying Isak in a deeper role behind Ekitike. It probably means one of Isak or Ekitike - most likely the latter - would be deployed out wide to allow Slot to accommodate all his new signings in one XI.
The Frenchman has operated from the left previously, but this would only fuel further rumors surrounding Luis Diaz, who typically functions from that flank. The Colombian has attracted a bid from Bayern Munich. Liverpool hasn't opened contract discussions but maintains Diaz is not available for transfer.
The player himself has remained coy about his future. However, witnessing a marquee signing arrive who is set to occupy his position may not sit well. Diaz himself has stated: "I am very calm where I am and very happy."
The former Porto star also insisted he would "make the best decision for me," and Bayern is reportedly prepared to return with a fresh and enhanced proposal. Selling Diaz could significantly contribute to the hefty sum required to secure Isak.
What's clear is that the Reds have two viable options if they're keen on landing Isak. Option one: sign both the Newcastle star and Ekitike, but accept that only one can be a regular starter. Option two: pursue Isak as their primary attacker, shift Ekitike out wide, but recognise that Diaz will likely push for an exit.
Beyond the attacking foursome, the team is starting to find its footing. Ryan Gravenberch has asserted his dominance in midfield, with Alexis Mac Allister proving to be an excellent partner.
Virgil van Dijk continues to lead the defence alongside Ibrahima Konate, whose future remains uncertain. The pair of center-backs will probably have to adjust to new full-backs in the form of Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez.
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