Arne Slot has revealed Liverpool’s Isak plan – here’s what will change

Robin Bairner

15 Aug 2025 12:00 BST
3 min read

Arne Slot, Alexander Isak, Liverpool, 2025/26 — © IMAGO

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has revealed that he is planning to have Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak in his squad.

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Isak is the subject of an almighty tug-of-war between the two Premier League giants, but the pieces are starting to fall into place for a British record move to take place.

Newcastle are closing in on a deal for Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, which could potentially free the 25-year-old to make his dream move to Merseyside.

Current ETV

Alexander Isak

F (C)

Newcastle Utd.

Alexander Isak

F (C)

Newcastle Utd.

ETV Range

€105.4M - €128.8M

For his part, Isak is doing everything in his power to push for a deal, with the Daily Mail reporting that he has gone “on strike”. Newcastle, meanwhile, are planning on fining the Swede for each competitive game he misses.

Slot, meanwhile, appears to be gearing up for life with Isak in his Liverpool squad as he has already revealed a ‘Plan B’ approach for €95 million summer signing Hugo Ekitike.

The former PSG striker arrived at Anfield as a No.9 and showed his capabilities in that role as he scored just four minutes into his debut against Crystal Palace.

Hugo Ekitike goals Crystal Palace.pic.twitter.com/jNpoIN59nH
— ftw (@ftwdebruyne) August 10, 2025

And his Wembley strike also hinted at what the future may hold for him if Isak arrives.

“I see Hugo mainly as a number nine that could also play on the left or play together with another number nine,” Slot told Sky Sports.

Certainly, Ekitike’s telling contribution against Palace suggests that the Dutchman has a point. He gathered possession around the inside-left position before drifting inside and finishing brilliantly.

Slot clearly sees a long-term future in that role for the France international – and this is key to making sense of the Isak deal.

It means that Liverpool have a plan in which the two attackers – who could cost a combined €250m if the Isak deal is completed – can play together.

Isak is, therefore, no impulse purchase. There’s a structure behind Liverpool’s transfer policy, and it gives them what promises to be the most exciting Premier League attack ever.