As Liverpool prepare to say goodbye to Darwin Núñez, head coach Arne Slot has maintained a cautious but optimistic stance regarding the club’s plans to strengthen the squad further this summer.
Núñez’s move to Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal appears imminent, with Liverpool agreeing a deal reportedly worth £46 million and potentially rising to £56 million with add-ons. This deal would mark the end of a turbulent three-year spell at Anfield for the Uruguayan striker, whose impact has been inconsistent despite flashes of brilliance.
Now, the focus turns to finding a suitable replacement to bolster Liverpool’s attacking options ahead of the new campaign.
The foremost candidate to fill Núñez’s shoes remains Alexander Isak. The Swedish international striker has found himself out of favour at Newcastle United, sidelined from first-team action after rejecting the club’s pre-season tour of Asia in a clear sign of his desire to push through a transfer.
Liverpool’s bold £110 million bid for Isak earlier this month was rejected by Newcastle, but the Reds are understood to be preparing to renew their interest once the Magpies secure a replacement striker.
Isak enjoyed a prolific 2024–25 season, scoring 27 goals across all competitions, helping Newcastle secure a Carabao Cup triumph and a fifth-place Premier League finish that qualified them for the Champions League.
When questioned during today’s press conference about Liverpool’s interest in Isak and the ongoing recruitment plans, Arne Slot offered his usual measured and professional responses.
“As you know from me, and I think every manager works like this, you never talk about players that are not yours.”
Slot also acknowledged Núñez’s imminent departure but stressed the deal is yet to be fully finalised.
“At this moment in time Darwin might leave, indeed, but things are not signed yet. We need to wait maybe a few days before that’s completely done, but there is indeed a chance that he’s going to leave.”
Despite this, the manager expressed confidence in the squad depth, highlighting a mixture of experienced internationals and emerging talents.
“I think, we think, we already have a lot of attacking power in our team.
I think about Cody Gakpo, Federico Chiesa, Hugo Ekitike, Mo Salah, Jeremie Frimpong who play as a right winger, Florian Wirtz who can play as a left winger. I already feel I have a lot of attacking options in my current squad.”
He also acknowledged that while the squad is strong, The Reds will continue to be active in the transfer market.
“But as always, as a club, we are always looking at the chances in the market. But that can also be in the midfield or in the last line.”
With the Núñez transfer on the verge of completion and a keen eye on Isak. The reigning champions face a delicate balancing act — maintaining the squad harmony that helped secure the Premier League title while refreshing the attacking options to sustain long-term success.
Liverpool supporters will be hoping the club can finalise deals swiftly, ensuring that the squad is prepared and competitive for the challenges ahead both domestically and in Europe.
