Insofar as something is conclusive in the course of the first few weeks of the summer season switch window, Liverpool have been issued a reasonably unequivocal no in regard to Alexander Isak.
Arne Slot would love nothing greater than to entrance his mission with Newcastle United’s “world-class murderer”, as Isak has been referred by pundit Alan Shearer, however PIF need a bundle within the area of £200m to free him from his £120k-per-week contract.
It is not going to occur, in all chance. Nevertheless, that does not imply Liverpool will shelve their curiosity in a brand new quantity 9. There are various choices available on the market.
Liverpool are spending liberally this summer season, little question, however that is hardly a scattergun method from Michael Edwards and sporting director Richard Hughes; extra so, the execution of meticulous planning.
The expeditious nature of their exercise highlights FSG’s thought-out technique, with the club-record signing od Florian Wirtz the right illustration of that truth.
Why Liverpool signed Florian Wirtz
Wirtz is now formally a Liverpool participant. Final week, the Merseysiders agreed a £100m mounted payment – which might rise to a British-record £116m – for Bayer Leverkusen’s star man; now, the Premier League champions have formally introduced their marquee transfer.
After some protracted negotiations, Wirtz is lastly Liverpool’s and can convey his “really generational expertise” – as has been mentioned by sports activities media skilled Cristian Nyari – to Slot’s aspect, a frightening thought for the membership’s rivals each domestically and overseas.
However not for Liverpool. Whereas Trent Alexander-Arnold’s determination to go away for Actual Madrid upset quite a lot of, right here now we have a surpassing playmaker of a unique breed, one who might spearhead years of sustained success.
And whereas Liverpool may not be capable to safe Isak’s companies this summer season, there’s each likelihood that Wirtz may very well be main the provision line for one more first-rate centre-forward.
Liverpool lining up new striker
A number of options are on the road for Liverpool, together with Hugo Ekitike, however as per Rousing the Kop, Liverpool have recognized Napoli striker Victor Osimhen as the right choice to signal this summer season, ought to Isak stay out of attain.
Osimhen, who accomplished a profitable mortgage transfer with Galatasaray final season, is trying to depart Naples this summer season and is believed to have a £60m launch clause in his contract.
The Turkish giants wish to convey him again for good, whereas suitors within the Saudi Professional League proceed their long-time bid to convey the 26-year-old over to the Gulf.
Nevertheless, Liverpool might give him a spot on the entrance of certainly one of soccer’s most fun tasks.
Why Liverpool need Victor Osimhen
With Darwin Nunez set to depart – curiously, Napoli are chasing a deal for the Uruguay star – Liverpool might discover they’ve a bargaining chip in negotiations with the Serie A champions for his or her worthwhile quantity 9.
After scoring 37 targets throughout 41 matches for Galatasaray final 12 months, successful the Turkish Tremendous Lig, the rangy and highly effective frontman has saved his devices sharp as he targets an announcement transfer.
Osimhen has confirmed himself by now as certainly one of Europe’s most dependable goalscorers, and although the Premier League would ostensibly current him with the very best calibre of opposition, throughout the span of a season, that he has confronted in his profession, with Wirtz by his aspect there might be greater than sufficient assist to keep up high ranges of scoring.
Victor Osimhen – Previous 5 Seasons (all comps) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Season | Apps | Targets | Assists |
24/25 – Galatasaray | 41 | 37 | 8 |
23/24 – Napoli | 32 | 17 | 4 |
22/23 – Napoli | 39 | 31 | 5 |
21/22 – Napoli | 32 | 18 | 6 |
20/21 – Napoli | 30 | 10 | 3 |
Stats by way of Transfermarkt | |||
Osimhen’s full attacking ability set and unflappable mentality counsel that not solely may very well be a dream for Wirtz, however he’d guarantee even probably the most ardent of Liverpool-supporting Isak followers are in a position to neglect about Newcastle’s talisman.
Having spearheaded Napoli’s Scudetto-winning season of 2022/23, Osimhen established himself as one of many sport’s true elite, even labelled as “one of the best striker available on the market” by Statman Dave again in February.
Isak may be a bit extra dynamic in his mobility, however the Nigerian is hardly a sluggish ahead, having ranked among the many high 4% of positional friends throughout Europe final season for shot-creating actions, the highest 18% for progressive carries, the highest 16% for ball recoveries and the highest 9% for aerial battles gained per 90, as per FBref.
A ball restoration is outlined by the variety of free balls recovered by a participant.
He is a “transitional monster” described by analyst Ben Mattinson, with unbelievable off-the-ball consciousness and positioning that ought to see him rake targets in by the dozen at Liverpool, with the likes of Wirtz and Mohamed Salah creating possibilities for him.
As per Sofascore, Wirtz, who’s principally a central attacking midfielder however has the capability to float throughout most attacking areas, assisted 12 targets and created 17 large possibilities throughout the 2024/25 season.
In reality, deeper examination exhibits the German maverick to have averaged 2.1 key passes per sport throughout his total marketing campaign, for membership and nation, which is a very outstanding feat and the right illustration of how he’ll improve the efficiency of somebody like Osimhen.
To place that in perspective: Alexander-Arnold has averaged 1.9 key passes per fixture throughout the span of his personal profession – and, frankly, everyone knows simply how peerless his playmaking has been at Liverpool.
Wirtz has confirmed himself throughout a number of seasons within the Bundesliga, successful the division’s Participant of the 12 months award in 2023/24 after enjoying an instrumental half in Leverkusen’s invincible prize-winning marketing campaign.
He is solely simply getting began, and if allowed to forge a relationship with Osimhen, there isn’t any telling how lethal Liverpool may very well be subsequent 12 months.
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He might surpass Salah: Liverpool now ready to signal one other £100m star
Liverpool are out there for a centre-forward this summer season.
