Liverpool target Isak to replace Nunez amid Newcastle standoff

Newcastle just crashed out of the FA Cup after losing to Brighton & Hove Albion, suffering multiple injuries and disciplinary actions. As the Magpies gear up to face the Reds, Liverpool have Isak in their eyesight as the potential forward signing.

According to Newcastle Chronicles (via Metro), Liverpool offered their struggling forward Nunez plus a transfer fee to Newcastle for Isak. Newcastle have put a £160 million price tag on their star, which is an absurd valuation despite his incredible form.

Alexander Isak’s season so far and analysis of his playing style

Isak has enjoyed a prolific season with Newcastle, single-handedly securing victories for Eddie Howe’s side despite their inconsistent overall season. The 25-year-old is the third-highest goal scorer in the Premier League right now, one goal behind Manchester City’s Erling Haaland.

Isak has also accumulated five assists and showed his knack for influencing the game beyond just scoring goals for Newcastle. According to FotMob, the Swede has created 36 chances for his teammates, sitting at 100 percentiles among Premier League players.

The 25-year-old has a 46.6 dribble success rate in the Premier League, with 34 successful dribbles at 95.7 percentile. Isak has made 19 blocks at 100 percentiles among the Premier League players and 42 recoveries at 78.7 per cent. His defensive stats outline the work ethic at the attacking third that the Sweden international puts in for his team.

Isak is a complete forward, capable of fulfilling numerous duties according to he tactical requirement of the team. Liverpool head coach Arne Slot prefers such players who can do a variety of roles according to his tactical choices.

Liverpool’s number nine issues

Slot has deployed Diogo Jota as the primary number nine this season, restricting Nunez to a limited game time. However, the 28-year-old Portuguese has continued to struggle with his fitness and remains an unreliable option in the long run.  

The Liverpool boss has deployed Luis Diaz as the makeshift false nine, but the Colombian has his struggles with contributions. Liverpool desperately needs a reliable number nine like Isak, as there is a hole since Roberto Firmino departed from Anfield.

The number nine position is a priority among a few other positions during the summer transfer windows as Slot has fully assessed the squad he inherited this season. While Isak remains the best possible option, negotiating a deal with Newcastle remains a big problem. Despite their struggles with finances after spending massively under the new regime, Newcastle remain a tough club to negotiate with.