Carragher doubts the wisdom behind Liverpool’s aggressive transfer strategy, particularly their pursuit of Isak after splashing £252m on new signings.
What Happened?
Liverpool’s ongoing pursuit of Alexander Isak has raised eyebrows, with club legend Jamie Carragher admitting that he is “unsettled” by the idea of spending £150 million on the Swedish striker. Despite already spending nearly £252 million ($335 million) this summer on players like Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, and Hugo Ekitike, Liverpool are reportedly set to return with an improved offer to Newcastle United for Isak after their initial bid of £110 million was rejected.
Carragher, while acknowledging Isak’s potential, questioned whether such a hefty outlay for another forward fit within the club’s traditionally cautious and strategic approach to transfers.
What Carragher Said
On The Overlap, Carragher voiced concerns over the direction of Liverpool’s transfer strategy, particularly given that the club recently signed Ekitike. “It doesn’t feel like the Liverpool way of doing things,” he remarked. He went on to question the logic behind spending £150 million on another striker, particularly with Ekitike now part of the squad. “I don’t want Liverpool to spend £150 million on Isak. There’s something about it that doesn’t feel right to me. We’ve just bought a striker for £80 million, and now we’re looking at another one for £120 million? It feels a bit messy.”
The Bigger Picture
Carragher also hinted at a lack of clear planning from sporting director Richard Hughes, noting that the club’s transfer business seems rushed and haphazard. He speculated that Isak’s public dissatisfaction with Newcastle’s recent business, including Arsenal’s signing of a striker and Liverpool’s pursuit of Ekitike, might have contributed to the current state of affairs.
Carragher added: “It feels a bit messy to me. It doesn’t look really planned when I think of Liverpool.”
What’s Next for Liverpool and Isak?
Reports suggest that Isak is eager for a move to Liverpool and has reportedly met with manager Eddie Howe to discuss his future. With Isak’s intentions clear, Newcastle are bracing for his departure and are reportedly eyeing potential replacements, including RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, although Sesko is said to prefer a move to Manchester United. Liverpool, however, is expected to submit a second, improved offer in the coming days. If negotiations succeed, Isak could make his Liverpool debut against Newcastle at Anfield on August 25.
