Alexander Isak has made it clear to Newcastle United that he is open to leaving the club this summer.
The Swedish striker is a player Arsenal, Man United, Chelsea, and Tottenham would love to have leading their lines; however, Liverpool look like the potential destination for the 25-year-old should he depart St James’ Park.
The addition of Isak would take Liverpool’s spending for the summer over the £400m mark, but this has not been radical, which has been seen at Chelsea in recent years and even at Man City at times.
This summer is rewarding Liverpool for being patient and planning carefully, something the Manchester club could learn a lot from.
Man City should learn from Liverpool’s transfer approach
Man City have been praised in the past for their careful planning of transfers and selling stars such as Julian Alvarez for big fees before making key additions to their squad.
That has not been the case recently as the Manchester club rested on their laurels last summer, having won four Premier League titles in a row, and failed to strengthen their squad significantly.
This exposed the weaknesses in Guardiola’s squad throughout the 24/25 campaign once Rodri picked up his long-term injury, which resulted in the Manchester club panic-buying in January.
Omar Marmoush has been a big success at the Etihad Stadium; however, Abdukodir Khusanov failed to impress during his first few months at the club, while Nico Gonzalez could be sold already after just a few months in Manchester.
Jack Grealish and Kalvin Phillips are also set to leave Man City this summer, two more players the Manchester club rushed into buying after they had good seasons in the Premier League. Neither have worked out, which is more money that has been wasted.
Other names such as Jeremy Doku, Matheus Nunes, and Savinho could also be thrown into that category, but these players still have the time and potential to turn things around.
Nobody’s transfer approach in the Premier League is flawless, which can be seen at Liverpool, as they definitely got it wrong with Darwin Nunez; however, the patience the Reds have shown in recent years is now paying off.
Saving up money and using it when a player who will make a real difference becomes available is the way forward in the current world of the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability regulations, which is something Man City need to learn from.
Alexander Isak’s record against Manchester City
Man City have been left surprised by Liverpool’s spending this summer, and they will be stunned further if the Reds can land Isak for over £120m.
The Swedish star is one of the hottest strikers in football at present, having scored 27 goals for Newcastle last season; however, the 25-year-old has never been able to figure out Guardiola’s team.
Isak has a terrible record against Man City, as the forward has faced the Manchester club on six occasions, winning just one and losing the remaining five.
That win came in the third round of the EFL Cup during the 2023/24 season, when the Newcastle star scored one of the two goals he has produced against City.
The other came during the same season in the Premier League at St James’ Park, a contest the Magpies lost 3-2, with Oscar Bobb’s goal being the standout moment.
