All the latest Liverpool news as Arne Slot gears up for the new Premier League season
It has been revealed why Alexander Isak missed Newcastle United’s friendly against Celtic on Saturday afternoon. The 25-year-old striker was heavily linked with a move to Anfield before Liverpool turned their attention to Hugo Ekitike.
According to our colleagues at the Evening Chronicle, Isak, along with Joelinton, were merely rested for the pre-season clash at Celtic Park as Eddie Howe looks to carefully manage his players’ minutes. The former has been in training as planned this week, while the latter has recently returned from a knee injury.
Later this month, the Magpies will travel to Asia to step up their preparations ahead of the new campaign. First, Newcastle will lock horns with Arsenal in Singapore before facing ‘Team K League’ and Tottenham Hotspur in South Korea.
Upon their return to the United Kingdom, Howe’s side will host Espanyol and Atletico Madrid at St. James’ Park before kick starting their Premier League season at Villa Park the following week.
Fortunately for Howe, and rather unfortunately for Liverpool, Isak looks set to stay put this summer. The Echo understands that the Sweden international was once regarded as a leading target for the Reds as they stepped up attempts to bolster their attacking options.
Liverpool had long been admirers of Isak following his impressive performances in the Premier League. Despite the Reds’ eagerness to wrap up a deal, the Magpies were insistent that Isak was not for sale.
While Arne Slot and Eddie Howe locked horns, Newcastle had opened bidding for Ekitike, who was another forward towards the top of the Reds’ shortlist. The Echo understands that the Magpies had an offer worth almost €80m (£69.4m) rejected by Eintracht Frankfurt for the 23-year-old, who had been priced at €100m (£85m).
With Isak set to stay at St. James’ Park, Liverpool have set their sights on Ekitike. It’s understood that the Premier League champions have recently opened talks with Eintracht Frankfurt over a deal for the Frenchman.
The Reds have already agreed personal terms with Ekitike over a long-term contract. Liverpool could lean on Slot to get a deal over the line, having already wooed Florian Wirtz this summer.
Speaking to Der Spiegel, as quoted by BILD and talkSPORT, following the former Bayer Leverkusen star’s record-breaking transfer, Wirtz’ dad, Hans-Joachim, said: “Arne Slot has impressed Florian on the pitch.
“He’s also a very pleasant person. Florian’s best coaches have always been those who gave him plenty of freedom. And those with the greatest empathy have also reached Florian.
“He finds the game in England interesting because it thrives on pace and dynamism. Arne Slot presented his playing philosophy, the team tactics in possession and pressing, and how Florian can develop his strengths in these areas.
“This made a decisive impression on Florian. The training conditions in Liverpool were also totally impressive.”