A former Liverpool defender has questioned the club’s reported interest in Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, warning that defensive reinforcements must come first.
Pre-season often raise more questions than they answer and Liverpool’s recent matches were no different. While head coach Arne Slot may not be overly concerned about the mixed results in these friendlies, the weaknesses revealed have certainly caught the eye.
Amid the saga surrounding the potential signing of Alexander Isak, former player Steve Nicol has warned that the conversation must focus on squad balance rather than just attacking flair and cautioned that the Swedish striker is unlikely to address that key issue.
Speaking to ESPN FC, Nicol questioned the logic of a potential £120 million move for Isak given the current make-up of the squad at Anfield. While he acknowledged the Swede’s quality and prolific goal record, the former right-back made it clear that defensive reinforcements, not another forward, should be at the top of Arne Slot’s agenda.
“I won’t be dancing on the table if Liverpool sign Isak for £120 million tomorrow. It seems a little weird.
I want my centre-back. Had Ekitike not been at Liverpool, I would be dancing on the table if they turned around and signed Isak. But the fact that they have Ekitike, now I’m thinking it kind of feels like something you don’t need.
While I think it’s clear there’s a big hole there that needs filling, you’re going to spend £120 million on something you probably don’t need. It’s kind of weird.”
Nicol’s comments point to what many see as a vulnerability in Liverpool’s squad — the centre of defence.
Virgil van Dijk turns 35 next year and Ibrahima Konaté has yet to agree a contract extension with less than 12 months remaining. Joe Gomez has struggled for fitness with so many injuries, Jarell Quansah has been sold, and Joel Matip has retired. Without additions, Slot could find himself one injury away from a defensive crisis.
Liverpool’s attack, by contrast, is as deep as it has been in years. Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, Florian Wirtz and the emerging young talent of Rio Ngumho are already giving the Dutch coach a variety of options, and Hugo Ekitike’s arrival has only added further flexibility and energy to the front line.
The club may still be able to sign both a centre-half and Isak if resources allow, but the pressure is mounting on sporting director Richard Hughes to ensure that the glaring hole at the back is addressed before the transfer window closes.
For many supporters, the idea of seeing Isak in the red of Liverpool is mouthwatering. Yet Nicol’s point is difficult to dismiss — without defensive stability, even the most formidable attack can fall short.
