Dave Hendrick: Isak and Rodrygo moves show Liverpool's intent to dominate under Slot

Yahoo

17-07-2025

Liverpool's Pursuit of Isak and Rodrygo Signals Statement of Intent
Liverpool's ambition under Arne Slot shows no signs of slowing down after a triumphant Premier League-winning campaign. On the latest Daily Red Podcast, Dave Hendrick laid bare the scale of the club's transfer ambitions, drawing attention to potential moves for Alexander Isak and Real Madrid's Rodrygo. As Hendrick explained, 'We can afford to get Isak and Rodrygo and the centre-back this summer. We could probably afford to buy a defensive midfielder on top of that.' For Liverpool fans, the message is clear: this is a club preparing to build a super team.
Isak the Ideal Number Nine
Newcastle striker Alexander Isak has emerged as Liverpool's top target to lead the line. Hendrick was effusive in his praise: 'If Isak is the nine, not only is he a goal scorer, but he's a creative player as well from the nine.' Slot's system underpinned by fluid attacking rotations would benefit from Isak's versatility and intelligent movement. 'Mo is the best creator in the league from the right,' Hendrick noted, 'and one of the things he does better than anything is he creates really easy chances for the fella on the left.'
The potential link-up between Salah, Wirtz and Isak could be devastating. Hendrick insisted, 'You are talking about… an attacking force that might be the best in Europe, certainly the best in England, could break all goal-scoring records for the Premier League.'
Rodrygo the Crown Jewel on the Left
While Isak's arrival would elevate Liverpool centrally, the addition of Rodrygo would address the club's left-sided need with world-class quality. Hendrick stressed Rodrygo's readiness: 'If Rodrygo comes in, he's immediately the best left winger in what is a poor bunch of left wingers in the Premier League.'
The Brazilian, long admired by Liverpool, was described as 'so underrated' by Hendrick, who added, 'He's not as good as Rodrigo. And Rodrigo is four years younger,' when comparing him to Luis Díaz. On his output at Real Madrid, Hendrick reminded listeners that 'he had 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions' last season, despite positional instability and limited minutes.
'He offers the in-behind threat. He works like a dog. He's a great connector. He's a really good dribbler. He's a good shooter. He's productive as well.' Few players combine flair, work rate and intelligence like Rodrygo.
A Logical Reshuffle
The prospective arrival of Rodrygo would likely spell the end for Díaz and Darwin Núñez, both of whom are reportedly drawing interest. Hendrick framed their exits as inevitable, stating, 'If we sign Rodrygo on top of Wirtz, we don't need Diaz. We don't need Darwin.' Notably, he believes their sales could fetch a combined £140 million, helping to fund the rebuild.
Slot's wide options for 2025-26 would then comprise Rodrygo, Florian Wirtz, and academy gem Rio Ngumoha. 'I think Rodrygo explodes in our team,' Hendrick concluded. 'He would come in to be a starter.'
Liverpool's New Era of Power
Liverpool are now flexing financial and structural strength. Hendrick boldly claimed, 'We're the biggest club in England. We've acted like one of the poorest. That should terrify teams.' With a squad stacked with the league's top talent and the ability to fund marquee deals without breaching sustainability rules, the Reds are building something formidable.
'If we get Isak and Rodrygo, lads, ladies, it would be disgusting how much better than everybody else we'd be,' Hendrick said, only half-jokingly. For Liverpool fans dreaming of an era of domination, these names are more than fantasy—they're part of a plan already in motion.