Goldbridge: Liverpool's Move for Alexander Isak is ‘Still On'
On the latest episode of That's Football, Mark Goldbridge delivered a spirited breakdown of the summer transfer window, focusing sharply on Alexander Isak, Liverpool and Newcastle United. With contributions flying in from viewers and his own sharp takes, Goldbridge peeled back the layers of the market drama.
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Newcastle's Ambitions and the Isak Dilemma
Goldbridge opened with the headline: 'Newcastle working on a deal to sign Ekitike from Track Frankfurt, not yet agreed or close to being done, but talks continue over a potential 75 million euro deal.' He emphasised that the arrival of Hugo Ekitike raises questions: 'The interesting point is the forward would play alongside Isak.'
For Goldbridge, the tactical fit was puzzling. He said, 'Unless Ekitike is going to play behind him and you're going to lose a midfielder or unless Ekitike is going to play on the wing and you're going to drop Almiron, Harvey Barnes, Anthony Gordon or Murphy, it doesn't make any sense.' This raises speculation over whether Newcastle United are quietly preparing for life after Alexander Isak.
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Liverpool's Striker Hunt
Liverpool's hunt for a striker was a repeated theme. Goldbridge said emphatically, 'Liverpool do want a striker. They've wanted one all summer.' But he cautioned fans against expecting a purely physical number nine, adding, 'If Liverpool wanted an out-and-out striker, they could have moved for Gyokeres. I think they want a striker that's got linkup play, dribbling ability, and that leads you back to Isak or Ekitike.'
The plot thickened as Goldbridge floated a possible scenario: 'Has there been conversations between Isak and Newcastle about him wanting to go to Liverpool and Newcastle going fine, but we need to get the Ekitike deal done first before we let that happen?' His speculation sparked interest among viewers, adding intrigue to Liverpool's potential move for the Swedish striker.
Why Newcastle's Moves Matter for Liverpool
Beyond tactical questions, Goldbridge hinted at Newcastle's recent frustrations in the market, pointing out, 'They tried for En-Nesyri, they didn't get him. They tried for Joao Pedro, they didn't get him.' This history increases the likelihood that the Magpies will push through the Ekitike deal to avoid another public failure, especially with Liverpool lurking.
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Goldbridge made his stance clear: 'I just don't see Liverpool sitting back and watching Ekitike sign for Newcastle.' He added that even if Isak stays, a gradual transition might be in play: 'There could be an agreement that Isak can go next summer to Liverpool as long as Ekitike goes to them and beds in for a year.'
Where Next?
As the episode wrapped, Goldbridge summarised the mood: 'Definitely one to keep your eyes on.' He left viewers with questions to chew on: 'Is there any chance of Isak going to Liverpool? Is there any chance of Liverpool hijacking the Ekitike deal? Or could Newcastle end up with both?'
Throughout the episode, Goldbridge maintained his trademark no-nonsense delivery, mixing transfer updates with tactical insights. While other contributors chimed in through live comments, it was Goldbridge's clarity that anchored the discussion. His analysis suggests that the Liverpool-Isak-Newcastle triangle could define the final weeks of the window.
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For Liverpool under Arne Slot, fresh off a Premier League title, the striker choice will be pivotal. For Newcastle, keeping or replacing Alexander Isak could reshape their ambitions. And for fans, as Goldbridge urged, 'Get your comments in' — the debate has only just begun.
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