'Very impressive' Villa march towards Europe
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an hour ago
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Journalist Reveals when Liverpool Will ‘Pull the Trigger' on Alexander Isak Deal
Liverpool's Pursuit of Alexander Isak: Could the Move Happen This Summer? As Liverpool prepare to kick off their Premier League campaign against Bournemouth at Anfield, all eyes are on Arne Slot's second season in charge and his ambitious transfer targets. One player consistently linked with a move to the Reds is Newcastle's Alexander Isak. Following a stellar first season under Slot, Liverpool are now gearing up for a title challenge, and Isak is seen as a key addition to their attack. With reports swirling around a potential £130 million move, here's why it seems likely that Isak could be playing at Anfield this season. A Risky Prediction, but All Signs Point to Isak Joining Liverpool David Lynch, speaking to Dave Davis for Anfield Index, shared his thoughts on the ongoing transfer saga involving Alexander Isak. While he emphasised that it's always difficult to predict the outcome of transfers, Lynch said, 'I'd be really surprised if he doesn't end up being a Liverpool player.' This indicates a strong belief that the deal is more likely than not, with the potential for a move remaining very much alive as we edge closer to the end of the summer transfer window. Lynch's comments add weight to the growing sense of inevitability surrounding Isak's move to Merseyside. His assertion that the transfer could very well go through despite some delays shows the level of confidence within the club's plans. Newcastle's Uncertainty and Liverpool's Advantage Isak's future at Newcastle has been the subject of much speculation. Lynch highlighted that Newcastle's manager, Eddie Howe, has publicly stated that he cannot rule out Isak's departure. This admission, combined with the player's apparent strike and the club's search for replacements, has placed Liverpool in a position of strength. According to Lynch, 'Liverpool have a strong-ish hand in negotiations because Newcastle are already seeking those replacements.' With the Magpies reportedly looking at Yoanne Wissa and Nicolas Jackson to bolster their attack, it seems Newcastle are preparing for life without Isak. If they do bring in replacements, it would open the door for Liverpool to make a formal bid. 'Once Newcastle feel like they're in a position to get those replacements, then Liverpool will pull the trigger and put a bid in,' Lynch added. Timing and the Risk of Delay Despite the current uncertainty, it's clear that Liverpool are waiting for the right moment to act. The transfer may not happen immediately, especially with the club facing a trip to St. James' Park soon after the opening game against Bournemouth. Lynch noted, 'Maybe this will drag on past the game at St. James' Park because that would suit Newcastle, but all of the signs are there that this will happen.' Newcastle's strategy of delaying the deal might be a way to leverage their position, especially given the player's status in the squad. However, it's becoming increasingly evident that Isak's potential move to Liverpool is gaining momentum. Photo: IMAGO Isak's Importance to Liverpool's Title Ambitions As Arne Slot looks to build on his successful debut season with Liverpool, Isak represents an ideal addition to their attacking options. The Swedish striker is a dynamic presence, capable of both scoring and creating goals. His arrival would significantly strengthen Liverpool's forward line as they aim to challenge for the Premier League title once again. The heavy reports of a £130 million move suggest that Liverpool are serious about Isak, and it aligns with Slot's ambition to bring in top-quality players. With the Reds already building a solid squad, Isak could be the final piece of the puzzle that allows them to push on in their pursuit of glory. The situation surrounding Alexander Isak and his potential move to Liverpool is one to watch closely as the summer transfer window draws to a close. While there are still some hurdles to overcome, the signs are pointing strongly towards this deal happening. With Newcastle's preparations to replace Isak and Liverpool's strong negotiating position, it seems only a matter of time before the Swedish striker joins the Reds.
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
Van Dijk on Liverpool's Lack of Depth: 'I Trust the Club to Do the Right Thing'
Liverpool's signings this summer have caught plenty of attention for the right reasons. Signing superstar Florian Wirtz and rapid right back Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen. Bringing in left back Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth. All are exceptional signings. Yet at the same time, there have been departures. A lot of them. Currently, despite some very high quality arrivals, Liverpool look very thin at striker and centre half. There is, naturally, worry. Captain Virgil van Dijk, though, trusts the club to make the necessary signings. 'I don't know, we will find out,' Van Dijk said when asked about the lack of senior options at striker and centre half with the Premier League season set to kick off on Friday. 'What I think is that Hugo made an impression on and off the ball since he came in. 'Everything that happened with Diogo, it was tragic. Lucho and Darwin leaving. Those are three senior attackers. I fully trust the club to do the right thing now, what they think is good for the club. But if you look at the players that have come in, I think they played well today.' Assuming Federico Chiesa still departs as expected—or somehow stays but remains an unwanted spare part in manager Arne Slot's collection—that will leave just Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, and new striker signing Hugo Ekitike as established attacking options. Meanwhile at the back, Jarell Quansah has been sold leaving Ibrahima Konaté and Joe Gomez—both of whom have significant injury histories, with Gomez currently out with one—along with Van Dijk at centre half. For a side looking to play 60+ games, that's not enough. Liverpool have an exceptional squad. One of the best in Europe. And they've made arguably the best signings of the summer transfer window of any of the big clubs in Europe. None of that will matter, though, if they lack the depth to compete into March, April, and May. 'Jeremie and Hugo with the goals, Milos was good, you need time with everything,' Van Dijk added. 'If you play together you know the strengths and what the player likes in terms of positioning. That is obvious. I don't think in this case there is such a thing as too much change. 'I think we are in good shape. I know the defensive part of our team, we have conceded every game we played apart from Stoke when no fans were there. That is something we need to improve as a collective. Other than that it was good to feel the intensity again.'
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Yahoo
Bournemouth: Andoni Iraola refuses to discuss Bafoué Diakité situation
Bafoué Diakité The name of Guinean Bafoué Diakité has been linked to Bournemouth in recent hours. But when facing the press, coach Andoni Iraola dodges the topic. This is no mere rumor, Bournemouth have indeed targeted Bafoué Diakité to replace Illya Zabarnyi this summer. The Cherries have even put €40 million on the table to secure the services of the Guinea international. Asked about the topic by BBC Radio, coach Andoni Iraola remained evasive. "We're trying to sign central defenders after losing Dean (Huijsen) and Zabarnyi. I can't talk about players who aren't part of our squad. We need two new central defenders. Replacing those who have left will be impossible, but the club is working hard to find the best possible centre-backs." he said. We'll have to wait to learn what the future holds for Bafoué Diakité.
