Liverpool’s bold £110 million move for Newcastle striker Alexander Isak hit a wall this week. Newcastle turned it down, and Liverpool have decided not to make another offer. But instead of a setback, this could be a golden opportunity.
In 2024-25, new boss Arne Slot shocked the Premier League by guiding Liverpool to the title. They finished 10 points clear of Arsenal, with just one signing—Federico Chiesa—as reinforcement.
This summer, things are different. Liverpool have already spent nearly £300m to overhaul the squad. Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike are among the key new additions in attack.
Reports claimed Liverpool were willing to break their own British record (£116m for Wirtz) to land Isak. But Newcastle stood firm. Now, Liverpool seem to be shifting focus—and it could work in their favor.
Why Liverpool Still Have Gaps Despite the Title Win
Liverpool did win the title with four games left, but the squad still had weak spots. Mohamed Salah scored 29 goals and delivered 18 assists, while Van Dijk led from the back. Still, some positions lacked balance.
Ryan Gravenberch played deeper in midfield and started the season strong. But his form dipped in the second half. He’s a natural number eight, not a holding midfielder. That left the team over-reliant on Trent Alexander-Arnold’s passing—a problem now that he’s gone.
“Ryan Gravenberch was used in a deeper midfield role, and though he was one of the division’s standout players in the first half of the season, he struggled in the second half.”
Wataru Endo barely featured, starting only once in the Premier League. Clearly, Slot doesn’t see him as a first-team option. Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, and Curtis Jones held things together. But if Liverpool aim to go deep in the Champions League, they’ll need more depth.
New Problems Have Emerged This Summer
Liverpool haven’t signed a defensive midfielder to challenge Gravenberch. Meanwhile, new issues have popped up. Alexander-Arnold left for Real Madrid, taking with him Liverpool’s best ball progression outlet. The team now lacks someone to start plays from deep.
“Teenager Rio Ngumoha has been given opportunities by Slot on the left in pre-season, but it would be unfair to expect him to come in and regularly rotate with Gakpo given he is still just 16 years old.”
Luis Diaz moved to Bayern Munich, leaving the left wing thin. Cody Gakpo is now the only proven option. Ngumoha impressed in pre-season, but relying on a 16-year-old is risky.
Defensively, the sale of Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen left Slot with only three senior center-backs. Konate and Gomez both struggle with injuries. Gomez has already returned from the Asia tour with an Achilles issue. Van Dijk remains elite, but he’s 34. A dip in form or injury would expose Liverpool’s thin backline.
How Liverpool Could Use the Isak Money Wisely
Alexander Isak would have been a big upgrade in attack. But signing him could have restricted Liverpool’s ability to strengthen elsewhere. That money could now fix multiple problems.
Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton offers a solution. His passing range could boost Liverpool’s midfield and help rotate Gravenberch. “The Englishman would be able to come in and rotate with Gravenberch at the base of midfield, and he could even be paired with the Dutchman in certain games.”
Palace defender Marc Guehi is also on Liverpool’s radar. With just a year left on his deal, a £50m bid might seal the move. That would ease the pressure on Konate and Gomez while preparing for Van Dijk’s eventual decline.
“If the Reds fail to land Isak, then they would almost certainly be able to pay Palace’s asking price without hesitation, though they may not be willing to lose both Guehi and Wharton in one window.”
Slot also reportedly admires Rodrygo from Real Madrid. Funds saved from the Isak bid could go toward bringing in the Brazilian, adding firepower to the wings.
Liverpool Can Still Dominate Without Isak
Liverpool are still favorites to win the 2025-26 title. Their summer spending spree has given Slot a strong squad. And avoiding a record-breaking bid for one player might allow smarter, more balanced reinforcements.
“Liverpool will be seen as favourites for the title regardless of whether they sign Isak due to their expenditure this summer, but even if they were to miss out on the Toon striker, there are still ways for the champions to improve.”
Liverpool’s decision to walk away from the Isak deal might just be the smart move. Instead of one marquee signing, they now have the chance to build a stronger, more balanced team.
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