Liverpool opted against signing Alexander Isak during Jurgen Klopp’s time in charge of the club and instead made one of their most disappointing signings for £1 million more. The Reds have renewed interest in the Newcastle frontman, as they look to add even more star power to their already frightening attacking cohort, which includes new additions Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike.
Arne Slot is expected to have to part ways with a British record transfer fee to secure the services of the 25-year-old, but if fate had worked differently, he would already have the Swede in his ranks. Instead, Klopp pushed for a signing that hasn’t lived up to the mark.
Klopp Opted for Nunez over Isak
Other senior figures at Liverpool weren’t convinced
According to the Daily Express, this isn’t the first time that Liverpool were eyeing up a move for Isak, with the first coming during Klopp’s regime. At the time, Isak had a release clause at Real Sociedad worth £63 million, making a potential deal easy to complete.
In the summer of 2022, Liverpool embarked on a mission to strengthen their attack, with significant financial backing ready to support a major signing. Jurgen Klopp, entrusted with leading the charge, was at the heart of the discussions, though he wasn’t acting alone. A network of influential figures at the club, including then-director of research Ian Graham, were involved in weighing the options and the two parties couldn’t agree on who was the right man.
Among the names under serious consideration was Isak, who had his supporters within the club’s leadership. But Klopp had already been swayed by Darwin Nunez after two impressive showings in a Champions League tie against Liverpool.
Despite differing opinions behind the scenes, Klopp’s preference ultimately carried the day. Liverpool went ahead with a deal, paying an initial £64 million to secure Nunez’s services. That very summer, Newcastle would pay the release clause for Isak, who made the move to St James’ Park.
Despite the German’s best efforts, he was unable to get the best out of Nunez, while Isak flourished at Newcastle under Eddie Howe. Now, the tables have turned, with Liverpool seemingly desperate to bring in the now Premier League-proven Isak and get rid of their current number nine ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
