As the summer transfer window edges toward its September 1 deadline, Liverpool are intensifying their efforts to bolster their squad in a bid to defend their Premier League title. Despite an already hefty £300million outlay on signings like Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong, Giovanni Leoni, Armin Pesci, and Freddie Woodman, the Reds are not done yet. Sporting director Richard Hughes, backed by Fenway Sports Group, is pushing for high-profile additions, with Newcastle’s Alexander Isak and Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi at the top of their wishlist. However, both pursuits are proving complex, with time running out and unexpected twists emerging.
Isak deal hangs in the balance
Liverpool have been given a clear ultimatum in their pursuit of Newcastle’s star striker Alexander Isak. After their initial £110m bid was rejected earlier this month, Newcastle have set a steep £150m valuation for the Swedish forward. According to The Chronicle, the Magpies are open to selling Isak but only if they can secure a replacement before the window closes. Isak is reportedly keen on a move to Anfield, but the deal’s complexity lies in Newcastle’s need to find a suitable alternative.
Newcastle have targeted Brentford’s Yoane Wissa as a potential replacement, while a move for Wolves’ Jorgen Strand Larsen has been complicated by a £60m price tag. With the clock ticking, Liverpool are expected to submit a second bid before the deadline, but the outcome remains uncertain as Newcastle’s demands and their replacement strategy add layers of difficulty to the negotiations.
Guehi pursuit takes a twist
Liverpool’s interest in Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi has been a long-standing saga, but recent developments have added intrigue. Palace have made it clear they will not let Guehi go before their Conference League play-off second leg against Fredrikstad on Thursday. However, with Guehi’s contract set to expire next summer, chairman Steve Parish has acknowledged that a sale could be considered for the right price to avoid losing him for free.
The Reds have been firm in their stance, unwilling to meet Palace’s £45m valuation and capping their offer at £35m. Complicating matters further, The Daily Star reports that Manchester City could enter the race for Guehi if they lose defenders Manuel Akanji or Nathan Ake before the window shuts. Meanwhile, Palace are reportedly close to signing Toulouse’s 19-year-old defender Jaydee Canvot for €20m (£18m), a move that could pave the way for Guehi’s departure. Canvot has also attracted interest from Aston Villa, but Palace’s proactive approach suggests they are preparing for life without their captain.
Tsimikas’ potential exit
In addition to their incoming targets, Liverpool are also managing potential outgoings. Left-back Kostas Tsimikas, now third-choice behind Milos Kerkez and Andy Robertson, is attracting interest from Roma. According to Gazzetta dello Sport and Corriere dello Sport, the Serie A club sees Tsimikas as a backup option to Angelino. Marseille have also been linked with the 29-year-old Greek defender, prompting Roma owner Dan Friedkin to fly in for transfer talks this week.
Liverpool are open to a permanent sale, but Roma prefer a loan deal, which could require a compromise. Tsimikas’ potential departure would mark another step in Liverpool’s squad overhaul under Arne Slot, as they look to streamline their roster while pursuing their ambitious transfer targets.
A critical few days ahead
With the transfer window nearing its climax, Liverpool face a race against time to secure their top targets. The Isak deal hinges on Newcastle’s ability to find a replacement, while the Guehi pursuit could be disrupted by competition from Manchester City and Palace’s strategic planning. As Hughes and Slot work to finalize their squad, the coming days will be pivotal in determining whether Liverpool can land their marquee signings and maintain their momentum in the Premier League title race.