Former Liverpool striker Stan Collymore has shared his thoughts on Liverpool's pursuit of Newcastle United star Alexander Isak, expressing caution over the potential signing. Collymore acknowledges Isak's high quality but questions whether adding him to Liverpool's attacking lineup would be beneficial given the existing squad composition and the hefty transfer fee Newcastle is demanding.
Collymore drew parallels between himself and newly signed Hugo Ekitike after Ekitike assisted a goal for Mohamed Salah, highlighting the importance of attacking chemistry. He emphasized that success is not solely about having many forwards but about their interplay on the pitch. Liverpool already have key attackers including Salah, Ekitike, Cody Gakpo, and previously Darwin Nunez, who is now set to move to Saudi Arabia. Adding Isak to this mix could create challenges in balancing playing time and roles, as one striker would likely need to adapt, much as Collymore did supporting Robbie Fowler in his own Liverpool career.
Regarding the transfer fee, Newcastle has reportedly rejected Liverpool's initial offer of around £120 million and is asking for £150 million. Collymore feels this valuation is too high for Isak at this moment. He suggests instead that Liverpool might consider pursuing a loan deal during the January transfer window or wait until next summer when Isak's price could potentially be lower, especially if he does not renew his contract. This approach would also give Liverpool clarity on Isak's status compared to Salah's performance that season.
Overall, Collymore’s perspective is that while Isak is undoubtedly a top-class player, Liverpool should be cautious about pushing for an expensive permanent deal immediately. The club needs to consider the tactical fit, squad dynamics, and the financial outlay carefully before committing to such a major transfer.