For Liverpool, spending in the summer of 2025 has now reached more than 200 million pounds after they confirmed the signing of Hugo Ekitike this week. The Kop brought the Frenchman to Anfield from Frankfurt to upgrade their attack.
Many see the move as an alternative to Alexander Isak, a player with a much more expensive price. But now, with the Newcastle striker wanting to learn about transfer options, discussions about moving to Anfield are on the rise.
After an unusually quiet summer in 2024, Liverpool still seem to have the financial capacity to invest more than 100 million pounds. That was the amount of money needed to recruit Isak. The Kop and coach Arne Slot are expected to see little competition if they really want to chase Isak.
Earlier this year, Arsenal had put Isak at the top of their wish list, but the Gunners felt they could not sign him after Newcastle qualified for the Champions League. Chelsea, who bought Isak last summer, are now prioritizing the pursuit of Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig after recruiting Liam Delap and Joao Pedro.
But whether Liverpool can ensure Isak plays regularly in the starting lineup or not remains to be seen. Having depth is one thing, but trying to stuff Isak and Ekitike when both want to play as No. 9 would be a challenge and cause problems.
Overall, signing Isak would give Slot a comfortable headache. However, any club that spends £116m on a contract will expect him to play regularly.
Florian Wirtz came to Anfield with a vanglorious reputation and was expected to play in the attack position right behind the striker. This would really destroy the idea of Isak playing behind Ekitike.
Perhaps Isak or Ekitike the most likely Ekitike will play more widely to ensure Slot can find a way to put all of his new signings in the same squad. The Frenchman has played on the left wing in the past, but this has further reinforced speculation about Luis Diaz, who often plays that role.
The Colombian player has received an offer from Bayern Munich. Liverpool have not yet entered negotiations, but have insists Diaz is not for sale. The player himself has not yet made a decision on whether to stay or leave. However, seeing a valuable star come and be able to play in his position will not be very comfortable.
Diaz himself once shared: "I am very calm where I am and very happy". The former Porto player also said that he would make the best decision for himself. In that context, Bayern are said to be ready to make a new and better offer.
Selling Diaz will help Liverpool make up for the huge amount of money they have to spend to get Isak. The Kop will receive a possible transfer fee of up to £60 million from Diaz, an amount used to test Newcastle's determination.
One thing is for sure, the Reds have two real options if they want to sign Isak. First, it is an acceptance that only one player, either Ekitike or Isak, is a starts. Or they could have chosen Isak as the main striker in attack, pushing Ekitike to the right wing. In this case, Diaz will have to accept leaving.
Behind the attack quartet, Liverpool are starting to seem more stable. Ryan Gravenberch has affirmed his position in midfield, along with Alexis Mac Allister, is a great support.
Virgil van Dijk is still the leader of the defense alongside Ibrahima Konate, who has an uncertain future. However, these two centre-backs may have to get used to two new full-backs, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez.
