Liverpool's Striker Hunt: Isak Alternatives and the Complex Transfer Chessboard

Liverpool’s Striker Conundrum

With Alexander Isak’s Newcastle contract talks stalled but the Magpies still reluctant sellers, Liverpool find themselves in familiar territory - needing a Plan B, C, and possibly D. As someone who’s crunched the numbers on every Premier League forward, let me walk you through the cold hard realities of their alternatives.

The Isak Situation

Newcastle’s stance is understandable - a 24-year-old who scored 21 league goals last season doesn’t grow on trees. But when a player’s head is turned (and Swedish sources suggest Isak favors Anfield), even ‘non-sellable’ assets become movable. The sticking point? Newcastle will demand £90m+, and FSG rarely blink first in financial chicken games.

The Shortlist Breakdown

1. Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)

   • Pros: Proven PL performer (19G/13A last term), presses like a Red Bull can, knows Klopp’s system from England camps
   • Cons: Turns 29 in December, Villa won’t sell cheap after UCL qualification

2. Victor Osimhen (Napoli)

   • The nuclear option with a €120m release clause. Interesting twist: Napoli’s interest in Darwin Núñez could facilitate a swap+ cash deal that benefits both clubs’ FFP positions.

3. Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace) Dark horse candidate after 13 goals in 2024. My data shows his aerial dominance (4.1 headers won/90) would add new dimension to Liverpool’s attack.

The Wild Cards

Rodrygo’s potential Real Madrid exit bears watching, though he’s more winger than #9. Eintracht Frankfurt’s Randal Kolo Muani (available for ~£60m) offers versatility Klopp covets.

Bottom Line: This isn’t just about replacing goals - it’s finding a profile who can lead the press, create space for Salah, and handle Klopp’s grueling system. My analytics point to Watkins as the safest bet, but don’t rule out a left-field move for Leipzig’s Sesko if other dominoes fall.