The Liverpool Roundup – Alexander Isak goes all-in, Diogo Jota tribute, winger transfer & more

Today's round-up of the biggest stories around Liverpool Football Club from the last fortnight from empireofthekop.com.

Alexander Isak calls Newcastle’s bluff

Alexander Isak definitely isn’t leaving Newcastle… definitely. Okay, now he’s not leaving unless Newcastle can secure a replacement this summer and Liverpool are prepared to meet his £150m valuation.

That’s all well and good, but Liverpool were repeatedly told to respect the player’s wishes when it came to Trent Alexander-Arnold wanting to move to Real Madrid. At least with Alexander Isak, the Swede reportedly gave the Magpies plenty of notice to find his successor at St James’ Park.

With transfer failure after transfer failure taking place in the window, as targets have sought out the alternative offer at every turn, you could forgive the player for starting to get a little antsy. Now The Times report that Isak has vacated his Tyneside residence in the hope of forcing a move to Merseyside.

More on this story with Empire of the Kop → Alexander Isak has taken drastic step in attempting to push through Liverpool transfer

Liverpool could sign a winger if Alexander Isak transfer falls through

Posted by Farrell Keeling

When Liverpool like a player – and we mean really like a player – we’ve seen Michael Edwards determined to land our number one option even if it means exiting the window a man short. Virgil van Dijk is a particularly compelling example of this, at times frustrating, transfer policy.

However, that’s not to say the Reds won’t ever pivot under any circumstances if another market opportunity comes to the fore. Fabrizio Romano now reports that Liverpool could yet consider signing a winger should their move for Alexander Isak not go to plan.

Who exactly on the market is comparable to the Newcastle hitman in both stature and availability, however, remains to be seen. Bradley Barcola at PSG is certainly an admired quantity in the halls of power at the AXA training centre, but the Champions League holders won’t want to let the Frenchman go in a hurry!

More on this story with Empire of the Kop → Fabrizio Romano says Liverpool could consider winger alternative if Isak transfer fails

Liverpool preparing special Diogo Jota tribute at Anfield

Posted by Peter Kenny Jones

It was disappointing to see what should have been a respectful moment of silence ahead of the Community Shield disrupted -- forcing referee Chris Kavanagh to cut it short.

We can absolutely accept (hope) that the Crystal Palace fans – who have otherwise been an exemplary fanbase when visiting Anfield or hosting us at Selhurst Park – in question did not seriously intend to cause upset.

Otherwise, as Arne Slot rightly noted in his post-match presser, we’ll have another opportunity to put things right ahead of our hosting of Bournemouth in our Premier League opener. Liverpool have planned a special mosaic (featuring both Diogo Jota and Andre Silva) to be unveiled.

More on this story with Empire of the Kop → Anfield set for emotional moment in honour of Jota and Andre Silva

Liverpool sell Darwin Nunez to Al-Hilal

Posted by Liam Togher

Darwin Nunez officially completed a move to Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal. And so ends a strange but enjoyable Liverpool career!

Whilst we can’t claim that our former No.9 was a stellar piece of business overall, it would be unfair to suggest that the Uruguayan didn’t play his part in delivering major success to the club. Certainly, his contributions in Arne Slot’s opening campaign in charge won’t be forgotten, as the Reds secured a 20th English top-flight title in 2024/25.

Nunez is always going to hold a fond place in the hearts of the Anfield faithful, but we can all agree that this move comes at the right time and is ultimately in the best interests of all parties involved.

We wish you well, Darwin!

More on this story with Empire of the Kop → Darwin Nunez responds to Liverpool social media post confirming Al-Hilal transfer

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