‘I think’: Paul Merson gives verdict on whether he thinks Isak will be a Liverpool player by deadline day
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Liverpool still want to bring players in before the transfer window shuts but they face a race against the clock.
The Reds may have spent close to £300m on their squad this summer but they are still far from happy with the overall look of it.
Outgoings have meant that they are still short in a few areas of the pitch, with Arne Slot hoping that these positions will be addressed by the time deadline day comes around.
One transfer that needs to be sorted out is that of Alexander Isak, with this saga rumbling on far too long for both Liverpool’s and Newcastle’s liking.
Whether the Magpies allow the Swede to go is yet to be seen but with just over a week to go, time is rapidly running out, and Paul Merson has suggested where he thinks Isak will be come the close of play on September 1st.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
This summer really has been a strange one in terms of football transfers, with the Isak situation having a knock-on effect for other players in the league.
He appears to have set somewhat of a trend by refusing to train, with the likes of Yoane Wissa, who Newcastle desperately want to sign, doing the same at Brentford to try and force a move.
So, with just over a week until the window shuts, this needs solving so the future of other players can also be decided, and Merson is backing the Swede to be a Liverpool player after their game against Newcastle on Monday.
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“[I see him] At Liverpool I do,” Merson said on Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday.
“I think after Monday’s game it will be sorted out and I think he’ll be spot on.
“It’s got to be sorted out, players now don’t need the money to pay off their mortgages, he can sit there for another six months if he wants.
READ MORE: Jan Molby tells Alexander Isak he’s made one big mistake in trying to force through Liverpool move
“They might as well take the money now, he doesn’t want to play, he’s lost his legacy and it’s a shame for Newcastle as I thought they should have beaten Villa last week and if Isak was playing, they would have done.
“For me, I don’t like the way this has panned out but it isn’t the first time and it won’t be the last time either.”
Newcastle are still adamant that they want two strikers to arrive before allowing him to go, but with one yet to come in, it is not looking too likely.
For a neutral, this game could not have come at a better time.
Bank holiday Monday, under the lights at St James’ Park and with the Isak saga reaching boiling point.
It is perfect.
The same cannot be said for Liverpool fans, however, as they might not head into this clash as confident as they usually are, with many likely happy to settle for a draw before a ball has even been kicked.
The Magpies, especially their fans, will be up for the game and ready to prove a point, with a win meaning at least they can get one over on Isak before he potentially leaves.
Dan Burn and Anthony Gordon have already addressed the atmosphere and how they are looking forward to this game, suggesting that this could be one for the ages.