Liverpool manager Arne Slot has refused to dismiss talk of a renewed bid for Alexander Isak, with the Swedish striker now on the club’s radar again following Darwin Nunez’s likely exit to Saudi side Al Hilal.
Isak, who has been training separately from the rest of Newcastle’s squad, was the subject of a rejected £110 million bid from Liverpool. The Magpies are reportedly holding out for a British record transfer fee.
Slot, speaking ahead of the Community Shield clash with Crystal Palace at Wembley, said the club would keep monitoring the market but insisted he was already happy with his attacking options.
“You never talk about players that are not yours,” he said.
“I think we have a lot of attacking power in our team. When I think about Cody Gakpo, Federico Chiesa, Hugo Ekitike, Mo Salah, Jeremie Frimpong, who can play as a right-winger, and Florian Wirtz, who can play as a left-winger, I already feel I have a lot of attacking options in my current squad.”
“But, as always as a club, we are always looking at the chances in the market.”
Liverpool have already spent close to £300 million on Wirtz, Ekitike, Kerkez, and Frimpong. Nunez’s move to Al Hilal is expected to bring in £46 million, helping offset the club’s heavy summer spending.
Isak’s situation remains uncertain. He has not featured in Newcastle’s pre-season and has been training away from the first team, fuelling speculation about his future.
Beyond transfer talks, the club is still coming to terms with the death of forward Diogo Jota, who died last month in a car crash in northern Spain alongside his brother.
Slot paid tribute to the Portuguese striker and acknowledged the emotional toll it has taken on the squad.
“First of all, tragedy impacted us but it impacted far more his wife, children and parents,” he said.
“But it impacted us as well, definitely. The tributes that have been done since were all very emotional and impressive, every time we were somewhere.”
“It started off in Preston and in Asia as well. It’s been emotional, but impressive as well.”
Liverpool will honour Jota throughout the new season with a “Forever 20” badge on their kits. A permanent memorial will also be installed at Anfield.
