Liverpool’s Slot hints at fresh Isak bid despite ‘attacking power’

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has not dismissed the possibility of making a renewed offer for Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, as the Premier League champions weigh strengthening their already potent attack, with Darwin Nunez expected to depart for Saudi Arabia.

Following a relatively quiet debut year in the transfer market under Slot, the Reds have now invested nearly £300 million ($402 million) on attackers Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike, along with full-backs Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong.

Nunez is among several high-profile departures set to offset much of that spending, with the Uruguayan forward close to finalising a £46 million transfer to Al Hilal. Reports suggest Liverpool’s £110 million bid for Isak was rejected by Newcastle, who are holding out for a British transfer record fee.

The Swedish striker has been excluded from Newcastle’s pre-season activities and instructed to train alone.

“You never talk about players that are not yours,” Slot told reporters at his pre-match press conference before Sunday’s Community Shield clash with Crystal Palace at Wembley, the traditional season opener.

“I think we have a lot of attacking power in our team. When I think about Cody Gakpo, Federico Chiesa, Hugo Ekitike, Mo Salah, Jeremie Frimpong, who can play as a right-winger, Florian Wirtz, who can play as a left-winger, — I already feel I have a lot of attacking options in my current squad.

“But, as always as a club, we are always looking at the chances in the market.”

Liverpool recently celebrated a record-equalling 20th English top-flight title but were left heartbroken last month by the tragic death of forward Diogo Jota.

The Portuguese international lost his life in a car crash in northern Spain alongside his brother, as he was travelling back to England for pre-season.

Tributes have been paid to Jota at every Liverpool fixture since, with the commemorations set to continue throughout the campaign. A “Forever 20” emblem, honouring his now-retired shirt number, will appear on the team’s shirts this season, and a permanent memorial will be placed at Anfield.

“First of all, tragedy impacted us but it impacted far more his wife, children and parents,” said Slot.

“But it impacted us as well, definitely. The tributes that have been done since were all very emotional and impressive, every time we were somewhere.

“It started off in Preston and in Asia as well. It’s been emotional, but impressive as well.”