Former Liverpool striker John Aldridge believes Alexander Isak should be on Arne Slot’s transfer wishlist this summer.
The Newcastle star has had a fine season, scoring 19 goals in 24 Premier League games, and has been linked with a move away from St James’ Park although the Magpies have repeatedly said he is not for sale.
If that stance changes, however, then Aldridge says the Sweden international, who missed Newcastle’s 2-0 defeat at Anfield last night, would complement Liverpool’s existing forward options.
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He told Betano: “I think Alexander Isak would be a good fit for the Liverpool squad, alongside every squad in the Premier League.
“He’s alongside the likes of Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah in terms of output this season. I don’t think Newcastle can let him go, but if they do decide to, I’d be delighted if Liverpool were in with a shout for him.”
Could Isak replace either Salah and Nunez?
There may be some churn at Anfield this summer with Salah yet to agree terms on a new contract and Darwin Nunez coming in for criticism from Slot for a perceived lack of effort.
It would be no surprise if Liverpool targeted a new striker and Aldridge says a prolific number nine is the one thing missing from a squad firmly on course to win the title at a canter.
He added: “I’ve always said with Liverpool strikers that you have to score one goal every two games. Ian Rush and Robbie Fowler were all the same in that they were able to do that. It goes with the Liverpool shirt – their centre-forwards simply have to score one every two games, maybe three at the very most.
“If you’re a Liverpool striker, you should be vying for the Golden Boot and be up there with the likes of Haaland, but none of theirs this season have been able to do so. Diogo Jota has been injured, but there’s not one player who’s made that position his own – to do that, you need to score one goal every two games and the manager will put you in. That’s why Salah plays every game.”
Aldridge believes Kelleher could move on
It is not just up front where Aldridge believes there will be changes.
With a deal already arranged for Georgia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili to arrive from Valencia ahead of next season, Aldridge says either Alisson or Caoimhin Kelleher will likely depart.
And his money is on fellow Irishman Kelleher, who has acted as number two to Alisson for much of his time on Merseyside.
He said: “I think the fact that Liverpool are going to be paying a lot of money for Giorgi Mamardashvili means either Allison or Caoimhin Kelleher will leave the club. It must be something that’s been talked about between the directors and Arne Slot.
“Kelleher is too good to be a number two at any club and he knows that as well. I’m die-hard Liverpool so I’d always stay at the club if I could, but you have to see it from the player’s perspective as well. I think, unfortunately for Liverpool, that he probably will leave the club this summer. If he wants to play week in, week out, then he’ll need to leave Anfield and find somewhere else.”
