As the Alexander Isak saga continues to evolve, Liverpool have now reportedly set their sights on beating Everton to one of their top targets in an unexpected hijack.
How Liverpool can afford Isak
Having already spent close to £300m to welcome the likes of Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike and Milos Kerkez, the idea that Liverpool could now break the British transfer record for a second time to sign Isak seems absurd. But Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes are not done with their statement summer, as they look to spend FSG’s riches at long last.
The question that rival fans will be asking is, how exactly can Liverpool afford such a blockbuster summer? The likes of Aston Villa and Newcastle have had run ins with profit and sustainability in the past, so why are those at Anfield in a position to spend before completing significant sales?
The answer, however, is far simpler than the question. This summer has been a long time coming for those at Anfield. Across the last five seasons, Liverpool’s net spend has been £200m less than Tottenham Hotspur and they’ve even spent less than West Ham United.
In that time, they won the Premier League, an FA Cup, two Carabao Cups and reached the Champions League final.\
Now, using that success, and smart sales in that same period, Liverpool are enjoying their biggest-ever transfer window. With that said, even after a potential deal to sign Isak, those at Anfield could reportedly look to get one over on Merseyside rivals Everton this summer.
Liverpool plotting shock Douglas Luiz hijack
As reported by Caught Offside, Liverpool are now plotting a shock hijack to sign Douglas Luiz ahead of Everton this summer. The Toffees have already reportedly launched an opening offer to sign the Brazilian, but the Reds’ presence could yet scupper their plans.
The former Aston Villa man looks destined to leave Juventus after his pre-season no-show and a return to the Premier League seems inevitable at this stage.
| Stats comparison (via FBref) | Douglas Luiz 23/24 | Ryan Gravenberch 24/25 |
|---|---|---|
| Minutes | 2,993 | 3,160 |
| Progressive Passes | 168 | 181 |
| Tackles Won | 38 | 35 |
| Ball Recoveries | 184 | 193 |
Although it’s Liverpool’s attack that could steal the biggest headlines for its strength in depth next season, Arne Slot could also enjoy similar quality in the No.6 role by welcoming Luiz.
At his best in his final season at Aston Villa, the Brazilian put up incredibly similar numbers to Ryan Gravenberch, who unexpectedly became one of Liverpool’s most important players last season.
A player who Villa’s sporting director, Monchi, described as “strong”, Luiz would finally hand Gravenberch some much-needed backup and Slot the chance to hand the Dutchman a much-needed rest at times.
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