Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher names the five signings he believes Liverpool needs but has reservations about breaking the bank for Alexander Isak.
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has weighed in on the Reds’ ongoing transfer business, naming the key areas that need strengthening before the summer window closes. However, when it comes to a potential move for Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, Carragher has reservations, excluding him from the list of top targets.
Carragher’s Key Liverpool Signings for 2025/26
Liverpool have already been active in the transfer market, making six new signings and parting ways with seven players. Despite a strong squad that stormed to a Premier League title under Arne Slot last season, Carragher believes further additions are necessary to maintain their edge.
On the Stick To Football podcast, Carragher stated that Liverpool needs at least one, possibly two, centre-backs, as well as two additional attackers. This came ahead of Giovanni Leoni’s impending medical at Anfield, with the young Parma defender set to join. Carragher also mentioned Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace as a key target.
Carragher Doubts Isak’s Fit for Liverpool
While the focus is on reinforcing the squad, Carragher’s stance on Isak’s potential arrival was clear. The former Liverpool captain is not convinced that the £150 million price tag for Isak is justified. He expressed concerns about the Swedish forward’s ability to handle the demands of playing regularly for a club like Liverpool, stating:
“I’m not fully invested in breaking the bank for Isak. It’s not about him as a player, I do worry about how robust he is to play twice a week for Liverpool.”
Carragher added that if Isak were to join, it would likely disrupt the development of Hugo Ekitike, the young forward Liverpool has earmarked as a potential future star.
The Ekitike Dilemma
Carragher raised concerns about the dynamic that would emerge between Isak and Ekitike, suggesting that if Isak were bought for a British transfer record, he would be expected to start regularly. This would leave Ekitike, who would cost around £80 million, stuck in the role of a backup player. Carragher argued that it’s an unfair situation for both players:
“Ekitike is too good and too expensive to be an understudy. You’re only going to play when [Isak’s] injured,” Carragher said.
He further explained that this kind of pressure could affect Ekitike’s development, especially with both players being in direct competition for the starting role. Carragher also noted that if Isak did come in at such a hefty price, the manager would likely feel compelled to make him the first-choice striker, leaving Ekitike with limited opportunities.
What’s Next for Liverpool?
As the Premier League season kicks off, Liverpool are set to face Bournemouth in their first match on Friday evening. With the squad already undergoing adjustments, Arne Slot remains confident in his options, despite the absence of a few key players due to injuries and transfers.
For now, Carragher’s vision for Liverpool’s transfer strategy is clear: bolster the defence, add more attacking options, but perhaps avoid the risk and cost of signing Isak, who may disrupt the balance the club is striving for.
