Liverpool ready to give up on FLOP Isak with fresh January striker transfer approach

Suraj Radia

21 Nov 2025 18:10 GMT
4 min read

Liverpool have their eyes on another striker signing in January just months after breaking the British transfer record to sign Alexander Isak after the Swede’s tough start to life at Anfield.

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Isak has played just eight games since his blockbuster transfer from Newcastle on deadline day, only scoring once in the Carabao Cup against Championship side Southampton.

Current ETV

Alexander Isak

F (C)

Liverpool

Alexander Isak

F (C)

Liverpool

ETV Range

€99.1M - €165.1M

The 26-year-old has had fitness issues after going on strike during pre-season with Newcastle and he has missed the last month of action for Liverpool with a groin injury, leading to fears that it may take some time before Arne Slot sees his record signing at his best.

With Liverpool eight points of leaders Arsenal, Slot’s side are aiming to be proactive in order to avoid losing further ground in their quest to defend their Premier League title, with CaughtOffside reporting that the Reds are monitoring the situation around Jean-Philippe Mateta at Crystal Palace.

Mateta is entering the final 18 months of his contract at Selhurst Park and the 28-year-old has yet to commit his future to Palace, knowing full well that this could be his last opportunity for a big transfer.

Liverpool are thought to be frontrunners, along with Arsenal, for Mateta’s signature, while Manchester United continue to hold a long-standing interest, although Palace are said to be ‘optimistic’ of renewing their star man’s deal in the near future.

Mateta keen on big transfer despite Crystal Palace desire for new contract

Having spent the early part of his career as a bit-part figure, Mateta has since established himself as one of the most consistent goalscorers in the Premier League in recent years, which led to his maiden call-up to the French national team last month amid some controversy.

© IMAGO - Jean-Philippe Mateta could leave Crystal Palace next year.

Palace are thought to value Mateta at around €50 million and they have entered talks over renewing his deal but the Frenchman admitted last month to RMC Sport that he is tempted by the step up to a bigger club.

"It's natural, every ambitious player wants to reach that milestone,” Mateta said. "Especially when you arrive in the national team and around you, there are only players who play in the Champions League, who win the biggest trophies.

“When you play surrounded by the best players in the world, naturally you want to reach that milestone."

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