Liverpool's line up after deadline day could be absolutely brilliant if they sign Isak and Guehi - opinion
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Liverpool are pushing hard to finalise two more deals before the summer transfer window slams shut on 1 September.
The Reds have sanctioned a near £300 million expenditure on acquisitions this summer, surpassing the previous bar set of £161 million in 2018.
And while names such as Alexander Isak and Marc Guehi continue to be linked with a move to Anfield, it appears Liverpool are finally prepared to make their move.
Following Newcastle United’s deal to sign VfB Stuttgart forward Nick Woltemade, Liverpool are expected to bid £130m for Isak in the hopes of concluding the long-awaited saga in the coming days.
Furthermore, Guehi could leave Crystal Palace for the Reds after he helped the Eagles qualify for the Europa Conference League proper on Thursday night.
Arne Slot will have a welcome headache figuring out how to build the strongest XI of his new-look squad, and should Isak and Guehi join before the deadline, here is how the Reds could line up against Burnley.
Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images
Alisson Becker will, of course, keep his place between the sticks for the Reds, injuries permitted, and with Jeremie Frimpong expected to return from injury after the international break, he is likely to resume where he left off against Bournemouth.
Virgil van Dijk should continue to lead the side on the left side of the central defensive pairing, with summer signing Milos Kerkez expected to line up at left-back.
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However, Ibrahima Konate has been in abysmal form at the start of the season, a far cry from the dominant presence the fans expect from the Frenchman.
Therefore, Guehi stands a very good chance of making his debut at Turf Moor.
Slot has yet to reveal his preferred midfield three to the supporters, but should the squad survive the international break unscathed, the Dutchman could showcase what he believes to be his strongest midfield setup.
Ryan Gravenberch should undoubtedly keep his place at the anchor of the midfield, and he proved that he can be a threat anywhere on the pitch after his sensational long-range goal against Newcastle.
Dominik Szoboszlai dazzled as a makeshift right-back at St James’ Park, but amid the intense competition for a starting berth in midfield, Alexis Mac Allister is the more likely to get the initial nod.
And although Florian Wirtz has struggled in the Premier League thus far, the Reds’ £116m man should be a shoo-in, unless he produces a catastrophic display against Arsenal on Sunday.
Mohamed Salah should resume his usual spot on the right flank, similar to Alisson; only an injury would prevent Slot from selecting the Egyptian.
However, Hugo Ekitike has made an immediate impact for the Reds, scoring in all of his competitive outings, while Cody Gakpo has shone alongside him with reports suggesting the Dutchman will be rewarded with a new deal for his efforts – one will miss out.
The Frenchman should edge out Gakpo but only by the tightest of margins, with Isak coming in to lead the line and more than likely take the vacant number nine shirt left by Darwin Nunez.