Alexander Isak replacement 'wants Liverpool transfer' as huge curveball thrown into deal

Liverpool could be presented with the chance to sign an Alexander Isak alternative who reportedly wants to join the Reds this summer. They have been among the Premier League's busiest clubs in terms of recruitment, splashing over £250million on several new players. The likes of Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez and Hugo Ekitike have all joined the Anfield giants since the end of last season.

Even though it has been a productive window for Liverpool, they are yet to achieve their main goal of the summer. They are desperate to bring in Isak but a deal looks unlikely with Newcastle holding firm in negotiations. They are said to value their man at around £150m and have already turned down a bid in the region of £110m.

Isak wants to join Liverpool and has reportedly informed the Magpies that he will refuse to play for them until a transfer is agreed. He remains tied down until the summer of 2028, having signed a six-year deal upon his arrival at Newcastle in 2022.

At the moment, the Reds are not planning to submit another offer but they could revive their pursuit if Newcastle indicate they would be open to doing business. Until that happens, the likelihood of a move for Isak appears to be slim to none.

It leaves Liverpool searching for an alternative striker with just under two weeks until the window closes. They could pursue a move for another target who is proven in the Premier League, but their hopes of doing a deal will depend on other clubs.

Ollie Watkins has been tentatively linked with Liverpool in recent weeks, having enjoyed a stellar campaign with Aston Villa last time around. He scored 16 league goals in 2024/25 and would be more than capable of battling Ekitike for a starting spot.

So far, Villa have managed to keep hold of the England international but that could soon change. They would be willing to sell him if they sign Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson as a replacement, according to TBR Football.

It means Liverpool would need the Blues to do them a favour in the transfer market, clearing the way for them to bring Watkins to Anfield.

The latter would jump at the chance to join Liverpool if the Reds come calling this summer, according to former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown.

Earlier this summer, he claimed: "If you offered Watkins the chance to become the starting striker for Liverpool he'd want to make that move. So if he leaves Villa, there's no doubt there will be interest and Liverpool would be the favourites."

Of course, the priority for Liverpool would still be to sign Isak, but if no progress is made over the coming weeks they could do far worse than to bring in Watkins as an alternative.

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