Liverpool has tied Mohamed Salah down to a new two-year deal and Arne Slot says that can only help with attracting new players this summer in what could be a busy period.
“If I would put myself in the shoes of a player who we might want to sign, it’s always nice to tell them that Mo has extended his contract,” Slot said on Friday. A left-back and a number nine should be the priorities.
Here is the Liverpool.com verdict on the transfer gossip to emerge around the Reds today. We start with a look at Alexander Isak with the 25-year-old forward in the news once again.
Alexander Isak (Newcastle United)
Liverpool is willing to break the British transfer record to sign Isak this summer, according to the Spanish outlet Fichajes. The existing record is Moises Caicedo’s move to Chelsea, when the Reds also made a late move for the South American.
Newcastle is insistent that Isak will not be moving anywhere and is desperate to keep its talisman. Eddie Howe wants to keep his existing group and add to it further, something that will be much easier if the Magpies can secure Champions League soccer.
Isak has long been linked with the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal. So far this season, he has scored 20 goals in the Premier League, including once against the Reds.
Liverpool.com says: While Isak would be a dream capture to upgrade at number nine, it has never felt that realistic for anyone to prise him away from St James’ Park. The Swede is under contract until 2028 and the Newcastle CEO has already said it would be “crazy” to let him go.
Jorrel Hato (Ajax)
Liverpool and Arsenal are ahead of Real Madrid in the race to sign Ajax’s teenage defender Jorrel Hato, according to Real Madrid Confidencial. The Premier League duo are both said to be keen on the 19-year-old, who can play left-back and center-back.
Real Madrid is thought to have a long term admiration for Hato but the suggestion in Spain is that Liverpool and Arsenal are more keen right now. The Reds might need to dip into the market for a defender or two in the summer depending on departures. Hato is valued at around $57 million (£43 million), according to the report.
Liverpool.com says: Hato looks like a great talent but he is younger and less experienced than the Reds usually go for. He is a very different type of left-back to Andy Robertson, too, if the Reds are looking to upgrade in that position.
