Despite spending £270m on Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong this summer, Liverpool have not stopped.
Sources revealed that the reigning Premier League champions continue to chase Alexander Isak, despite Newcastle's initial request two weeks ago.
If the situation begins to change in Liverpool's favor and the Isak deal becomes a reality, the transfer fee could be up to 150 million pounds. This is a fee that will see their total transfer spending since the end of last season exceed £400 million.
That is a huge figure for a club that is often overwhelmed by Premier League opponents such as Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United in terms of spending. However, there are two reasons why Liverpool are willing to " lay hands" on Isak in a busy summer.
First of all, they can afford to pay. Second, the Anfield team's leadership has identified this transfer window as the time to build a squad for the next 5 years, and Isak is considered the key to that long-term plan.
With Mohamed Salah, now 33, preparing to extend his contract for another two years this summer, Liverpool understand that they need to prepare a replacement for him in the near future.
And while Isak has great potential for development, signing him at this time will ensure Liverpool a smooth transfer. At the same time, the process of replacing the legendary attacking trio Salah - Sadio Mane - Roberto Firmino was completed.
In just one transfer window, with a total cost of up to £ 350 million, bringing in Wirtz, Ekitike and Isak will help Liverpool build a quality, stable attack for at least the next 5 years.
Meanwhile, Isak's future at Newcastle is becoming increasingly uncertain, especially after he was absent from the club's pre-season tours in Singapore and South Korea. British media said last week that the Swedish player had clearly shown his desire to consider options to leave St. Petersburg. James' Park.
Liverpool's next move will be decisive: either they will reach an agreement to bring Isak to Anfield this summer, or Newcastle will be determined to keep the 25-year-old star, who still has 3 years left on his current contract.
Speaking more than a week ago, after Isak was absent from the Celtic friendly in Glasgow, manager Eddie Howe was confident that his number one striker would stay. However, at a press conference in Singapore last weekend, he also admitted that Isak's future may not be in his hands.
"In the end, the decision will belong to the board of directors," said the England captain.
Since Newcastle are still bound by the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Regulation (PSR), the club has had difficulty recruiting players this summer.
So far, only Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest and 18-year-old Korean winger Seung-Soo Park have been added to Howe's squad.
For those holding financial leverage at St James' Park, a £150 million deal would allow Newcastle to spend big, even if it cost them their best player.
Newcastle's financial limitations are an opportunity for Liverpool to take action. Coaches and fans often have an emotional view of the players coming and going, but the owners and the finance department always put business interests first. And at some point, Newcastle will be unlikely to accept a huge offer.
However, for Liverpool, the opportunity is right now. Isak is ready to leave, and they have enough resources to complete the deal. As Premier League champions, Liverpool is also the most attractive destination in the country - something that may not be true in the next 12 months.
So how does Liverpool make money?
Last summer, Liverpool spent just £35m - including £10m for Federico Chiesa and £25m for goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili. However, they have raised £40 million by selling defender Sepp van den Berg and midfielder Fabio Carvalho to Brentford.
This summer, Liverpool earned £52 million after Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), Caoimhin Kelleher (Brentford) and Trent Alexander-Arnold (Real Madrid) left. Meanwhile, the £65.5 million transfer deal for Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich is also nearing completion.
In addition to the 82.7 million pounds earned from the Champions League last season and 174.9 million pounds thanks to the Premier League championship, Liverpool have abundant financial resources.
If it were as predicted, Darwin Nunez, Harvey Elliott and Chiesa would also be sold before September 1, Liverpool could raise an additional £80 to £100 million. This means that recruiting Isak (150 million pounds) will not make the club exceed the PSR limit.
However, it should also be emphasized that Liverpool are focusing all their long-term investment on a summer transfer window. They are unlikely to spend as much next year if things go on track.
