Liverpool drop MASSIVE hint that Alexander Isak deal is closer
An official approach fell short of the Geordies' valuation - and Eddie Howe has been struggling to line up a successor. Those reports were swiftly followed up with claims from trusted journalists that Liverpool wouldn't be back.
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Newcastle's were emphatic in their refusal to do business and that was that. But there are some clues regarding this deal that all might not be what it seems.
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One hint may well lie with Darwin Nunez.
Al-Hilal intending to add Nunez
Later on Friday it transpired from sources including Saudi insider Hamad al-Swilhy that Al-Hilal were pressing on with their attempts to sign Darwin from Liverpool.
Simone Inzaghi - the Saudi Pro League giants' new manager - wants the Uruguayan frontman as his new striker. And all summer long it has appeared inevitable that Nunez could be leaving.
If Liverpool were truly not intending to replace Darwin with Isak before the end of summer - then these rumours could be shut down pretty handily. But it remains the case that Nunez is likely to go.
Liverpool won't leave themselves short
Cast your mind back to last summer. Liverpool triggered Martin Zubimendi's release clause - but the deal fell apart when the player rejected the move.
Richard Hughes was then criticised for neglecting to sign a replacement; the Reds instead went into the season with Ryan Gravenberch as their No1 pick in defensive midfield.
The mantra at Anfield was that it was better to sign NO player than the WRONG player. We can safely assume that the stance remains the same. Liverpool will not buy a second choice.
© IMAGO - Alexander Isak Liverpool
If Isak doesn't come, why sell Nunez?
They will either persist in their attempt to sign a priority target or else stick with what they've got. The indications are that Darwin will be sold - meaning a new No9 will certainly be required.
And given Liverpool's previous conduct - if Isak is off the menu then they won't move for a different striker. That would mean Hugo Ekitike being Arne Slot's ONLY option in the centre-forward position next season before 'false nines' are considered.
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