Join AI Pro

Newcastle’s Striker Chase Opens Door for Liverpool

On Thursday, August 27th, Newcastle United finally looked to have solved their striking conundrum. After weeks of frustration in the market, Eddie Howe may finally be closing in on a forward willing to join his ongoing project. Nick Woltemade, the tall and versatile German attacker from the Bundesliga, appears to have given the green light to an £80 million switch to Tyneside, which could finally end the summer saga.

For Newcastle, it brings a much-needed resolution after public knock-backs from Joao Pedro, Benjamin Sesko, and others. For Liverpool, however, the knock-on effect could be even more significant and change their attack even more so.

https://twitter.com/theanfieldbuzz/status/1961174731664638298?s=46&t=rxgukmqdoXc4muVFLSx2EQ

The Isak Deal Waiting to Happen

Liverpool’s pursuit of Alexander Isak has been one of the most whispered-about sagas of the summer. Despite the noise around Darwin Núñez’s departure, the sad passing of Diogo Jota and the arrival of Hugo Ekitike, the sense around Anfield is that Isak has been lined up for weeks. The hesitation was never about Liverpool’s willingness to pay — but Newcastle’s ability to replace him. With no Sporting Director in place since the club parted ways with former Monaco executive, Paul Mitchell, the lack of a proven negotiating team saw the reigning League Cup champions stumble, in stark contrast to Liverpool and their own decision makers, Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes.

That stumbling block now seems to have been removed in the final days of this summer transfer window. Woltemade’s expected arrival gives Newcastle the cover required to release Isak, and the Swede’s preference for Liverpool has never really been in doubt. The anticipation is that the deal could be wrapped up as early as Friday, though Monday looks a more realistic timeline once the weekend’s matches are navigated.

At £130 million, it represents the kind of high-profile, high-impact move Liverpool’s recruitment team has been steering towards all window. Arne Slot is desperate for a focal point capable of leading the line with authority, mobility, and a ruthless edge in front of goal. Ekitike may be the apprentice, but Isak is the finished product — a striker who can elevate this frontline alongside Mohamed Salah and Florian Wirtz.

Guehi the Defensive Solution

While the Isak saga nears its conclusion, Liverpool’s defensive reinforcements are also lining up. Crystal Palace’s qualification for the Europa Conference League earlier this Thursday removed one of the potential stumbling blocks in negotiations for Marc Guehi. Palace wanted clarity on their European future before committing to any major departures, and now that box has been ticked, the England international is expected to follow Isak through the door at Anfield. The Eagles chairman, Steve Parish, has admitted that given their skipper is in his final year of his contract, a sale is a necessity, something which points to another inevitable conclusion.

For Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes, Guehi represents an efficient solution to a looming issue. Ibrahima Konaté’s future remains uncertain, and while Giovanni Leoni is likely progressing since his recent arrival, a player of Guehi’s calibre adds both depth and reliability. Slot’s system requires defenders comfortable both in possession and in aggressive recovery situations, and Guehi ticks those boxes with composure to spare.

The double swoop of Isak and Guehi would not just reinforce Liverpool’s squad; it would reshape it. Suddenly, the attack looks complete with a balance of power, pace, and intelligence, while the defence gains a cornerstone for years to come.

Closing the Window in Style

With just a few days to go until the market closes, Liverpool find themselves on the cusp of a statement ending. Kerkez, Wirtz, Frimpong, Ekitike, Leoni and Mamardashvili already represented an ambitious, targeted window. Adding Isak and Guehi transforms it into one of the defining summers in the club’s modern history.

Newcastle’s long, meandering striker search may finally be over. For Liverpool, it might just mean that the real business is about to begin.

Join AI Pro