6 hours ago
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Former Liverpool defender Jason McAteer believes that the Reds should bide its time in the transfer market should the club fail to sign Alexander Isak this summer.
Isak has been absent from Newcastle’s opening two Premier League fixtures, missing both the trip to Aston Villa and the home clash with Liverpool at St James’ Park. He is also unlikely to feature against Leeds United on Saturday, with the transfer deadline fast approaching on Monday.
But with Newcastle refusing to move on its current stance, McAteer says that the club should avoid panic buying another striker and opt to utilize other options within the squad.
"There isn’t an obvious candidate to go out and buy, but for Arne Slot there will be lots of options already at this disposal", said McAteer in an interview with 10bet.
" Ngumoha has shown proof of his talent in pre-season and he did so again against Newcastle. For someone so young he has an exceptional temperament. He is someone who can already come in and impact the game.
"But you could also use Gakpo through the middle, play him as a false nine. Salah has been able to play through the middle, and there’s Ekitike too.
"Importantly, he’s young and he’s stayed fit through his career, and it would be huge if he’s durable and Liverpool can count on him for most games. There should be lots of options for the season ahead.
"Last season, Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai played as false nines, breaking from midfield and it worked often enough. You’ll get away with it at times, but Chiesa is there to come off the bench too. There are options there for Slot this season, and he’s already changed his tactics for this season."
"We’ve gone 4-2-3-1 now, and he obviously prefers that way, with a recognised striker up top" added the 54-year-old. "But when we can’t, we know we can revert to 4-3-3 and you could use Florian Wirtz or Gakpo down the middle.
"I don’t think it’s worth gambling in the market at this stage, spending £50-60m for someone who isn’t quite right, or might be relegated to the bench if Isak eventually comes in January.
"There are lots of variables at the moment, and holding fire might be sensible for now."
Newcastle is pursuing a move for Wolves forward Jorgen Strand Larsen and has also identified Brentford’s Yoane Wissa as a target. Securing both deals could potentially soften its stance on Isak, though time is running out.
Liverpool.com. says: Liverpool should resist the urge to panic buy if its pursuit of Isak falls through. The Reds have numerous attacking options it can rely on though attacking depth could be a concern further down the line.
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