Liverpool manager Arne Slot emphasized on Thursday that the Premier League champions will only add the right player at the right price, while remaining tight-lipped about their interest in Newcastle’s unsettled striker, Alexander Isak.
After Liverpool’s reported £110 million ($148 million) offer for the 25-year-old Swedish international was declined earlier this month, negotiations have stalled, yet the club still seems hopeful about bringing Isak to Anfield.
Newcastle, however, is reportedly holding out for a British record fee of £150 million for Isak.
Isak’s public comments on Tuesday, accusing Newcastle of breaking promises and expressing his desire for a change, have fueled further speculation about his future.
Newcastle responded, stating: “We have been clear that the conditions for a sale this summer have not been met. We do not expect those conditions to be fulfilled.”
The ongoing situation adds intrigue to Liverpool’s upcoming match at Newcastle’s St. James’ Park on Monday, with Isak likely absent as he continues to train separately from the squad.
In a pre-match press conference on Thursday, Slot stated: “I am satisfied with the squad, but if there’s a player who can truly enhance us, this club has shown it can make that happen.”
The Dutch coach, who balanced Liverpool’s £300 million spending spree with over £200 million in sales this summer, added: “It has to be everything we want: the right fee, the right role, and the player’s desire to join us.”
“I don’t expect a busy end to the transfer window, as I am content with the squad,” Slot noted.
“Two players for each position is ideal, but sometimes less is more to avoid player dissatisfaction.”
Slot dismissed the idea that Isak’s absence and the resulting Newcastle turmoil would ease Liverpool’s trip to the northeast.
“I don’t see them as a troubled club,” he said. “Even if Isak isn’t playing, they have Anthony Gordon as a striker, Anthony Elanga on the right, and Harvey Barnes on the left, with Jacob Murphy not even featuring.”
“This is the Premier League, and we all have plenty of options, Newcastle included.”
Slot’s right-back options are limited, as new signing Jeremie Frimpong is sidelined until after next month’s international break due to a hamstring injury from their opening win over Bournemouth.
Joe Gomez was forced into action for 18 minutes despite only two training sessions after a three-week injury break.
Gomez could still feature at Newcastle, with Conor Bradley returning to training on Thursday.
“Currently, we have only two injuries, but unfortunately both are in the same position,” said Slot. “The positive is we have other players who can fill in.”
“Wataru Endo played there briefly, Dominik Szoboszlai has experience there. We have other options to consider.”
