Even before Liverpool signed Florian Wirtz this summer, it was noted that Alexander Isak was the dream target for Arne Slot and Co.
He was the dream target for Arsenal too, only for the Gunners to decide he was too expensive. Instead, they are set to sign Viktor Gyokeres, someone who David Ornstein revealed on Tuesday was on the shortlist of the Anfield recruitment team too.
The Reds, despite their reported willingness to slap as much as £130m on the table, do have one problem. Newcastle United do not want to sell and are unlikely to change their stance on that unless an offer of around £150m was made.
That bid isn’t entirely out of the question but with Wirtz having already been signed for £116m, you sense Liverpool will need to make some sales. Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez could well be the players to make way in an attempt to fund their push for the Toon striker.
Fortunately, FSG do have alternatives lined up.
Liverpool's attacking shortlist
The idea of signing Isak is a dreamy one but it’s probably unlikely in the grand scheme of things. However, Liverpool have essentially given Newcastle an ultimatum. Let us have Isak or we’ll make a play to sign your number one target, Hugo Ekitike.
The Magpies reportedly made an offer to sign the Frenchman on Monday, one that was rejected, but the Merseyside outfit are also at the table and will allegedly turn their attention to Eintracht Frankfurt striker if Isak is unattainable.
According to the Daily Mail, other options this summer could be Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, Brentford’s Yoane Wissa and rather surprisingly, Marcus Rashford.
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Given Nunez’s likely exit, Liverpool will certainly need to replace him but with Diaz also potentially on his way to Bayern Munich – subject of a bid this week – signing cover there may also be required.
That’s where Real Madrid superstar Rodrygo comes into the equation. Since Xabi Alonso arrived in the Spanish capital, he’s not particularly favoured the Brazilian.
He could be looking for an exit route out of Madrid, having played just 92 minutes at this summer’s Club World Cup in the USA. For much of the ongoing window, Arsenal had looked like favourites to secure the winger’s signature but Liverpool have burst into the race this week.
That’s according to reports from Spain that reveal ‘Liverpool will send an emissary to Madrid to sign him’.
They are now said to be ahead of Chelsea and Arsenal in the race to sign Rodrygo, although Bayern are considering entering the fight if they fail in their attempts to sign Diaz.
Madrid value the 24-year-old at €100m (£87m), but Richard Hughes and Co hope to be able to negotiate that price down.
What Rodrygo could add to the Liverpool attack
Signing Rodrygo and Isak this summer would be unlikely, but wow, would this make Liverpool favourites for the Premier League title again.
It’s not completely beyond the realms of fantasy to suggest they could be playing in the same team this season. Darwin Nunez is likely to fetch a price tag of close to £50m while Diaz, if he departs Anfield, will be sold for over £58m after Bayern’s offer totally that amount was rejected this week.
So, there are some additional funds there, and while signing an elite centre-forward will be the priority, Rodrygo would be a dazzling addition to the Reds’ forward line.
First and foremost, the Brazil international is a winger. He favours the left-hand side of the pitch but as he cohabited in the same team as Kylian Mbappe and Vini Jr last season, he played in an unfavoured role on the right.
He can even play through the middle with former Real boss, Carlo Ancelotti, suggesting he is a “special striker, he can play in all positions.”
It’s on the left where you sense Rodrygo would find the most joy, potentially replacing Diaz. While he still scored 14 times last term, registering 11 assists, his best campaign in a Madrid shirt came during 2022/23 when he played on a mixture of sides.
During that term, he netted 19 times and also provided 11 assists, showcasing his credentials as an elite wide player.
Blessed with incredible dribbling ability, whether it be Isak, whether it be Ekitike, they would love playing alongside Rodrygo. Here’s why.
Shot-creating actions
4.56
Top 3%
Progressive passes
4.69
Top 2%
Progressive carries
5.07
Top 2%
Succesful take-ons
2.15
Top 2%
Key passes
2.09
Top 3%
Analysing the data above, Rodrygo is the definition of a livewire. He takes players on with great regularity, he can pick a pass out and he’s incredibly progressive.
That is a dream for any striker, not least Isak, one of the best centre-forwards in the global game.
It’s safe to say the Swede is hot property this summer and it’s no surprise to see why. He bagged 27 goals in 42 outings during 2024/25, 23 of which came in the Premier League. That made him the division’s second-highest goalscorer, only behind Mo Salah.
Now, while Isak certainly didn’t receive bad service from the likes of Anthony Gordon and Jacob Murphy last term, they aren’t Rodrygo. He’s one of the best dribblers, one of the most progressive players in Europe; Isak would thrive alongside him. Whether Liverpool can make it happen, however, is another debate.
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