Latest news with #Isak
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Liverpool's Alexander Isak dream is still alive – but here's why Hugo Ekitike would be the better transfer
HUGO Ekitike is the poor man's Alexander Isak. But Eintracht Frankfurt's Ekitike is not only available for at least £50m less than Newcastle star Isak - he may also end up being an even better player. 8 Liverpool and Arsenal are still dreaming of a move for Alexander Isak Credit: PA 8 Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike could be a terrific backup plan Credit: Getty That's why both Liverpool and And if Newcastle stand firm on their stance that Isak is not for sale at any price, not even a British-record-obliterating £150m or more, then splashing out 'just' £86m on Ekitike would make perfect sense. After all, Newcastle almost signed him before they bought Isak. Make no mistake - Isak remains THE dream summer signing for both the Reds and the Gunners. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL First and foremost, because the On the one hand, Isak's goals and all-round contribution were a big factor in Newcastle qualifying for the lucrative Champions League. So, in theory, they have no need to sell and can quote fees that no suitor is willing to pay. Yet Isak's success also feeds his own personal ambition. What if, at the age of 25, this is his best chance to sign for a club that can compete for the biggest prizes in club football? Most read in Football 8 Alexander Isak was the Premier League's second-top goalscorer last season 8 Hugo Ekitike was sixth top scorer in the Bundesliga CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS Newcastle are willing to give Isak, whose current contract still has three years to run, a decent pay rise from his current £120,000 per week if he will sign a new deal. Arsenal and especially Liverpool could give him much more, though. Fans convinced they know what Virgil van Dijk said to Newcastle hero Alexander Isak after Carabao Cup final And if Isak refuses to commit himself or cuts up rough about an alleged promise from Newcastle that they would sell him for a certain fee this summer, cashing in on him would become more attractive. So Arsenal and Liverpool will not give up on Isak just yet, not with nearly two months of the transfer window to go. But they would be negligent if they WEREN'T considering Ekitike as a strong alternative and arguably the better buy. Because in his height and physique, his ability to dribble and link play, and his all-round capacity to link play and create openings for others, as well as to score goals, he has plenty in common with Isak. Newcastle almost signed Ekitike months before they spent an initial £60m on Isak in 2022. Ekitike, then at Reims, turned down a deadline day move to St James' Park in the winter window. Newcastle were interested again in the summer, but the forward chose to join PSG on an initial loan in July, with Isak arriving in the north east of 8 Isak has established himself as one of the Premier League's top players Credit: Getty 8 Ekitike was previously on the books at PSG Credit: AFP Eintracht have a vested interest in talking up the comparison between Isak and Ekitike, of course. And Ekitike's stats are generally not as impressive as Isak's. Yet there are admirers who believe that Ekitike has a higher ceiling and could end up becoming one of the best strikers in the world. Ekitike is tall, at almost 6ft 3in, yet has excellent feet and speed, like the Swede. His debut season in Germany, after his loan move from Paris Saint-Germain was made permanent, was impressive - 15 goals and eight assists in 33 Bundesliga appearances. Which compares favourably to Arsenal target Ekitike and But it wasn't a case of Marmoush making his sidekick look good. Ekitike scored nearly half his league goals (seven) and more than half his assists (five) AFTER main man Marmoush played his last game for the club. He also caught the eye in the Europa League, even before his excellent long-range goal against Tottenham in the quarter-final first leg. Although Isak's goalscoring record is superior to Ekitike's, the Frenchman creates more for others and could be considered a more complete player. 8 It is no secret Eintracht are a selling club. They sold In January this year, Eintracht accepted a deal worth up to £64m for Marmoush. Every player at the big club in Frankfurt, Germany's banking capital, has his price. But Eintracht have not yet spent all the Marmoush money. So they are more than happy to hold out for the 100m Euros (£86m) they believe Ekitike is worth in the current market. There are reasons for Liverpool, Arsenal and others to think hard, of course. Ekitike has had just one good season in a big five European league - a bit like Premier League flops While his 15 goals - level with Marmoush, who played just over half the season, and 11 behind leader Harry Kane - are another slight cause for concern. Isak, with 23 PL strikes, was second only to Mohamed Salah. Even Ekitike's cheerleaders at The Transfer Flow podcast and bulletin point out that, for a big lad, Ekitike is not great at heading. Nor is Isak, but Sesko definitely is. They also note that Ekitike gets knocked off the ball easily and his off-the-ball work against teams with better defences is not elite. Yet they still identified him as the striker who should be Liverpool's top target - even at £85m. If Arsenal decide to go for an out-and-out goalscorer, maybe Viktor Gyokeres would be a better option. But if the Gunners and the Reds want an all-round centre forward like Isak - and they do - then Ekititke would be a great back-up candidate. And at a much lower price, could even turn out to be the better long-term option. 8
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Liverpool's Alexander Isak dream is still alive – but here's why Hugo Ekitike would be the better transfer
Scroll down to see how the pair's stats stack up EK OF A PLAYER Liverpool's Alexander Isak dream is still alive – but here's why Hugo Ekitike would be the better transfer Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HUGO Ekitike is the poor man's Alexander Isak. But Eintracht Frankfurt's Ekitike is not only available for at least £50m less than Newcastle star Isak - he may also end up being an even better player. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 8 Liverpool and Arsenal are still dreaming of a move for Alexander Isak Credit: PA 8 Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike could be a terrific backup plan Credit: Getty That's why both Liverpool and Arsenal are looking seriously at the French frontman whose excellent debut season in Germany helped fire Eintracht back into the Champions League. And if Newcastle stand firm on their stance that Isak is not for sale at any price, not even a British-record-obliterating £150m or more, then splashing out 'just' £86m on Ekitike would make perfect sense. After all, Newcastle almost signed him before they bought Isak. Make no mistake - Isak remains THE dream summer signing for both the Reds and the Gunners. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL PART WAYS Thomas Partey, 32, wakes up unemployed as Prem stars become free agents First and foremost, because the Sweden international has proved in three seasons in the Premier League that he is exactly the kind of multi-talented centre forward both clubs need. On the one hand, Isak's goals and all-round contribution were a big factor in Newcastle qualifying for the lucrative Champions League. So, in theory, they have no need to sell and can quote fees that no suitor is willing to pay. Yet Isak's success also feeds his own personal ambition. What if, at the age of 25, this is his best chance to sign for a club that can compete for the biggest prizes in club football? 8 Alexander Isak was the Premier League's second-top goalscorer last season 8 Hugo Ekitike was sixth top scorer in the Bundesliga CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS Newcastle are willing to give Isak, whose current contract still has three years to run, a decent pay rise from his current £120,000 per week if he will sign a new deal. Arsenal and especially Liverpool could give him much more, though. Fans convinced they know what Virgil van Dijk said to Newcastle hero Alexander Isak after Carabao Cup final And if Isak refuses to commit himself or cuts up rough about an alleged promise from Newcastle that they would sell him for a certain fee this summer, cashing in on him would become more attractive. So Arsenal and Liverpool will not give up on Isak just yet, not with nearly two months of the transfer window to go. But they would be negligent if they WEREN'T considering Ekitike as a strong alternative and arguably the better buy. Because in his height and physique, his ability to dribble and link play, and his all-round capacity to link play and create openings for others, as well as to score goals, he has plenty in common with Isak. Newcastle almost signed Ekitike months before they spent an initial £60m on Isak in 2022. Ekitike, then at Reims, turned down a deadline day move to St James' Park in the winter window. Newcastle were interested again in the summer, but the forward chose to join PSG on an initial loan in July, with Isak arriving in the north east of England the following month. 8 Isak has established himself as one of the Premier League's top players Credit: Getty 8 Ekitike was previously on the books at PSG Credit: AFP Eintracht have a vested interest in talking up the comparison between Isak and Ekitike, of course. And Ekitike's stats are generally not as impressive as Isak's. Yet there are admirers who believe that Ekitike has a higher ceiling and could end up becoming one of the best strikers in the world. Ekitike is tall, at almost 6ft 3in, yet has excellent feet and speed, like the Swede. His debut season in Germany, after his loan move from Paris Saint-Germain was made permanent, was impressive - 15 goals and eight assists in 33 Bundesliga appearances. Which compares favourably to Arsenal target Benjamin Sesko, who managed 13 and five in the same number of games - albeit in an inferior RB Leipzig side. Ekitike and Omar Marmoush formed a formidable partnership for Eintracht until Marmoush left for Manchester City in January. But it wasn't a case of Marmoush making his sidekick look good. Ekitike scored nearly half his league goals (seven) and more than half his assists (five) AFTER main man Marmoush played his last game for the club. He also caught the eye in the Europa League, even before his excellent long-range goal against Tottenham in the quarter-final first leg. Although Isak's goalscoring record is superior to Ekitike's, the Frenchman creates more for others and could be considered a more complete player. 8 It is no secret Eintracht are a selling club. They sold Randal Kolo Muani to PSG in 2023 for £64.2m, before signing Ekitike on loan from the French club the following February. In January this year, Eintracht accepted a deal worth up to £64m for Marmoush. Every player at the big club in Frankfurt, Germany's banking capital, has his price. But Eintracht have not yet spent all the Marmoush money. So they are more than happy to hold out for the 100m Euros (£86m) they believe Ekitike is worth in the current market. There are reasons for Liverpool, Arsenal and others to think hard, of course. Ekitike has had just one good season in a big five European league - a bit like Premier League flops Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee. While his 15 goals - level with Marmoush, who played just over half the season, and 11 behind leader Harry Kane - are another slight cause for concern. Isak, with 23 PL strikes, was second only to Mohamed Salah. Even Ekitike's cheerleaders at The Transfer Flow podcast and bulletin point out that, for a big lad, Ekitike is not great at heading. Nor is Isak, but Sesko definitely is. They also note that Ekitike gets knocked off the ball easily and his off-the-ball work against teams with better defences is not elite. Yet they still identified him as the striker who should be Liverpool's top target - even at £85m. If Arsenal decide to go for an out-and-out goalscorer, maybe Viktor Gyokeres would be a better option. But if the Gunners and the Reds want an all-round centre forward like Isak - and they do - then Ekititke would be a great back-up candidate. And at a much lower price, could even turn out to be the better long-term option.
The Sun
a day ago
- Sport
- The Sun
Liverpool's Alexander Isak dream is still alive – but here's why Hugo Ekitike would be the better transfer
HUGO Ekitike is the poor man's Alexander Isak. But Eintracht Frankfurt's Ekitike is not only available for at least £50m less than Newcastle star Isak - he may also end up being an even better player. 4 4 That's why both Liverpool and Arsenal are looking seriously at the French frontman whose excellent debut season in Germany helped fire Eintracht back into the Champions League. And if Newcastle stand firm on their stance that Isak is not for sale at any price, not even a British-record-obliterating £150m or more, then splashing out 'just' £86m on Ekitike would make perfect sense. After all, Newcastle almost signed him before they bought Isak. Make no mistake - Isak remains THE dream summer signing for both the Reds and the Gunners. First and foremost, because the Sweden international has proved in three seasons in the Premier League that he is exactly the kind of multi-talented centre forward both clubs need. On the one hand, Isak's goals and all-round contribution were a big factor in Newcastle qualifying for the lucrative Champions League. So, in theory, they have no need to sell and can quote fees that no suitor is willing to pay. Yet Isak's success also feeds his own personal ambition. What if, at the age of 25, this is his best chance to sign for a club that can compete for the biggest prizes in club football? Newcastle are willing to give Isak, whose current contract still has three years to run, a decent pay rise from his current £120,000 per week if he will sign a new deal. Arsenal and especially Liverpool could give him much more, though. Fans convinced they know what Virgil van Dijk said to Newcastle hero Alexander Isak after Carabao Cup final And if Isak refuses to commit himself or cuts up rough about an alleged promise from Newcastle that they would sell him for a certain fee this summer, cashing in on him would become more attractive. So Arsenal and Liverpool will not give up on Isak just yet, not with nearly two months of the transfer window to go. But they would be negligent if they WEREN'T considering Ekitike as a strong alternative and arguably the better buy. Because in his height and physique, his ability to dribble and link play, and his all-round capacity to link play and create openings for others, as well as to score goals, he has plenty in common with Isak. Newcastle almost signed Ekitike months before they spent an initial £60m on Isak in 2022. Ekitike, then at Reims, turned down a deadline day move to St James' Park in the winter window. Newcastle were interested again in the summer, but the forward chose to join PSG on an initial loan in July, with Isak arriving in the north east of England the following month. 4 4 Eintracht have a vested interest in talking up the comparison between Isak and Ekitike, of course. And Ekitike's stats are generally not as impressive as Isak's. Yet there are admirers who believe that Ekitike has a higher ceiling and could end up becoming one of the best strikers in the world. Ekitike is tall, at almost 6ft 3in, yet has excellent feet and speed, like the Swede. His debut season in Germany, after his loan move from Paris Saint-Germain was made permanent, was impressive - 15 goals and eight assists in 33 Bundesliga appearances. Which compares favourably to Arsenal target Benjamin Sesko, who managed 13 and five in the same number of games - albeit in an inferior RB Leipzig side. Ekitike and Omar Marmoush formed a formidable partnership for Eintracht until Marmoush left for Manchester City in January. But it wasn't a case of Marmoush making his sidekick look good. Ekitike scored nearly half his league goals (seven) and more than half his assists (five) AFTER main man Marmoush played his last game for the club. He also caught the eye in the Europa League, even before his excellent long-range goal against Tottenham in the quarter-final first leg. Although Isak's goalscoring record is superior to Ekitike's, the Frenchman creates more for others and could be considered a more complete player. It is no secret Eintracht are a selling club. They sold Randal Kolo Muani to PSG in 2023 for £64.2m, before signing Ekitike on loan from the French club the following February. In January this year, Eintracht accepted a deal worth up to £64m for Marmoush. Every player at the big club in Frankfurt, Germany's banking capital, has his price. But Eintracht have not yet spent all the Marmoush money. So they are more than happy to hold out for the 100m Euros (£86m) they believe Ekitike is worth in the current market. There are reasons for Liverpool, Arsenal and others to think hard, of course. Ekitike has had just one good season in a big five European league - a bit like Premier League flops Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee. While his 15 goals - level with Marmoush, who played just over half the season, and 11 behind leader Harry Kane - are another slight cause for concern. Isak, with 23 PL strikes, was second only to Mohamed Salah. Even Ekitike's cheerleaders at The Transfer Flow podcast and bulletin point out that, for a big lad, Ekitike is not great at heading. Nor is Isak, but Sesko definitely is. They also note that Ekitike gets knocked off the ball easily and his off-the-ball work against teams with better defences is not elite. Yet they still identified him as the striker who should be Liverpool's top target - even at £85m. If Arsenal decide to go for an out-and-out goalscorer, maybe Viktor Gyokeres would be a better option. But if the Gunners and the Reds want an all-round centre forward like Isak - and they do - then Ekititke would be a great back-up candidate. And at a much lower price, could even turn out to be the better long-term option.
New York Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Inside Newcastle's kit-launch video: First-teamers dancing, a fan flown in from Japan, and Plato philosophy
'Was that any good?' Alexander Isak asks, hoping for an acting appraisal from the director. 'Estuve excelente,' comes a voice. Tino Asprilla is chuckling to himself. The Newcastle United cult hero, famous for his acrobatic celebrations and off-field antics, is sat beside Isak in the downstairs bar of the Tyneside Irish Centre, a pub-turned-social-club directly opposite St James' Park. Advertisement April 30 has delivered the hottest day of the year, yet Asprilla is wearing a thick fur winter coat and is visibly sweating. It is not quite that iconic fur coat he wore in the snow upon his arrival in England in February 1996. The original was auctioned off and, when attempts to contact the current owner proved fruitless, a replica costing thousands was commissioned using multiple photographs. Underneath, only just visible, Asprilla is donning Newcastle's new blue and orange third kit for 2025-26. 'The shirt is nice, but the coat is better,' Asprilla says in broken English, winking. Isak laughs — which comes as a relief to the crew, who were unsure how he would embrace half an hour of amateur dramatics — and chats to Asprilla in Spanish, one of several languages he speaks fluently. Fortunately, a crew member is also well-versed in Spanish. Earlier, Asprilla had nodded along to acting instructions provided in English, but evidently had no comprehension of what was being said. 'They're absolute legends,' the director says as filming finishes. Isak walks around the room and shakes hands with the 100-plus extras, while Asprilla hastily changes into a stylish blue shirt, ready to head straight out and (re)sample the Newcastle nightlife. Chants of 'Tino, Tino' follow Asprilla and he signs a few beer mats (which display the specially made 'Newcastle Originals, Est 1892' logo) as he goes. 'Please, no asking for autographs with the players,' comes the directive. 'We have a limited time with them.' Time may be short, but money, it seems, is little object for Adidas here. The company understandably regards its budget for this two-minute advert for Newcastle's third strip as too commercially sensitive to disclose — even to The Athletic, which has been granted rare behind-the-scenes access to the filming of a Premier League kit-launch video. But alongside Asprilla's airfare from Colombia is Jonas Gutierrez's from Argentina and a fan's from Japan, while the entire Irish Centre has been booked out for an initial three days (with another added later) and completely transformed by the 60-plus crew members with purpose-made decorations. Conservatively, tens of thousands must have been invested for just one of the three annual kit launches. The promotional kitty dwarfs that of Castore, Newcastle's previous kit supplier. A rekindling of the Adidas partnership last year was celebrated by fans as confirmation of the club's 'return' to the elite. Adidas boasts Real Madrid, Manchester United, Liverpool and Bayern Munich among their top-grade stable, yet bespoke adverts such as this, alongside long-sleeved shirts being reintroduced, provide further evidence of Newcastle's increasing commercial pull. Standing on Gallowgate in the baking sun, Irish Centre regulars are unimpressed. 'I'm here every Wednesday for a Guinness or three!' a grey-haired man exclaims to the security guard, having just read the 'CLOSED' signs. 'Howay, I come in here every f***ing day,' says another, ironically wearing a Newcastle United cap. Advertisement Externally, the pub looks no different, the white equipment van permanently parked up notwithstanding. Inside, however, the usual decor — basic and ageing — has been transformed. 'Sam Fender, Live at The Irish Centre — for one night only' posters adorn the walls. The North Shields-born singer is a world-renowned rock star with black-and-white-striped credentials. He played three sold-out St James' gigs last month. A regular wearer of Adidas retro outfits, Fender is part of the company's 'talent' and this fictional gig provides the advert's theme, with players past and present, male and female, in attendance and providing 'Easter eggs' by recreating moments for which they are renowned. On the bar, 'Mackem Tears' cider and 'Newcastle Originals, 1892' beer are 'available' on draught. Above, scarves celebrating March's Carabao Cup final victory — 'We're going to Wember-lee, Tell me ma, me ma' and '2025 League Cup winners: Newcastle, the Geordie Boys' — hang proudly. Throughout the room, blue-and-orange flags, a nod to the kit's colours, and a framed 1997-98 shirt — the one which inspired this latest jersey — are hanging. Behind the makeshift stage, garish golden glittery ribbons droop down. Someone (accurately) comments that 'it's like a scene from Phoenix Nights', a British sitcom set in a working men's club. Unfortunately, Fender's schedule has changed, meaning he cannot make the first two days of filming, so 'Scam Fender', a popular tribute act, is entertaining the crowd between takes. Before the players arrive, the director outlines his vision to the extras, who are not being paid and have had to sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to be involved. 'We're going for an intimate Sam Fender gig vibe,' he says. 'Make the footballers feel part of your family.' The 100-strong crowd are dotted around the room, some in their own Newcastle shirts, others wearing the new retro tracksuits (with some asked to change because they are donning clothes from rival brands), and are told to 'act as normal as possible'. They are warned not to 'turn and look' whenever someone famous enters the room, but few can help themselves and first takes are always unusable. Advertisement On the first floor, crew members are watching a live feed and relaying information back downstairs, while an array of drinks and snacks are available to all. The second floor is a maze. One room has been turned into the make-up department, while another contains 'wardrobe' — with Adidas clothing, plus the new kit and tracksuits, hanging up on rails — and three temporary photo booths for promotional shots. At the end of the corridor, there is a 'breakout room' for players. Everyone is drinking water, except Johnny 'Bluehat' Davis, Fender's saxophonist, who is living up to his rockstar image by requesting Guinness. As Sandro Tonali and William Osula sit scrolling their phones, Davis plays 'Tequila' on his saxophone and shouts 'Osula', recreating the chant Newcastle fans sing. Next to them, Bruno Guimaraes is playing pool against Dan Burn. The Brazilian, wearing a bucket hat, flits from decrying that 'this is not my f***ing game' after missing a pot, to 'I'm so good, man' after he flukes one. While Burn is trying to stay focused, Guimaraes attempts to put his rival off, waving his hands over the pockets. Burn bets Guimaraes that there's 'no chance' he can pot a double, but his captain manages it. 'I'm a f***ing machine, man,' he laughs. 'He's jammy,' Burn says, 'he beats me at everything.' But Burn, for once, emerges victorious. 'I'm sad, man,' Guimaraes says, laughing as Davis plays them out of the room to a mocking 'bah, bah, bah' tune. Premier League players usually have a day designated for commercial activities every month. On this Wednesday, six first-team players appear at the Irish Centre. Even Adidas only has limited access to players and must maximise the time. After Isak and Asprilla, Anthony Gordon is the focus. The winger religiously reads psychology books and is handed a copy of Plato's 'The Republic'. Three separate covers have been made — in the colours of the new home, away and third kits — and are trialled during takes. Davis, in a blue-and-orange tracksuit, is playing 'Local Hero', a song associated with Newcastle, while Gordon, his hair slicked back, reads to his left. Advertisement For the clip, Gordon has to chat with the fans. The crew comment that rather than pretending to read the book, Gordon is actually doing so and discussing the intricacies of Plato's arguments regarding justice. Next, Tonali and Guimaraes arrive — and play up to their respective personas, with the former expressionless and the latter geeing up the crowd. The pair are standing at the bar chatting, before Davis stops playing 'The Blaydon Races' and throws a custom-made blue hat five metres to Guimaraes, who must catch it and place it on his head. This is a reference to the 'magic hat' he supposedly wears, according to the chant. After successfully catching the hat, the extras applaud, ruining that particular cut. 'Come on, I'm Nick Pope!' Guimaraes says. 'We did it in one time!' Tonali, deadpan, is asked to rub Guimaraes' head for some takes but not others, while Guimaraes continues to thrive in front of an audience. 'I should be having ice cream,' he says, 'but you've got my magic hat.' The final shot of the day pairs Burn with Osula. Burn is a regular at Fender gigs and is asked to stand among the crowd. The defender taps Osula on the shoulder and recreates his famous dressing-room dance moves, before the forward is asked to replicate it (badly). The two players may have contrasting personalities, but they have natural chemistry and bounce off each other well. 'I don't usually dance,' Burn says to Osula. 'But if you give me five pints, I'll do whatever you want.' Day two sees Gutierrez performing his memorable scarf-waving celebration for Shania Hayles, Beth Lumsden and Jasmine McQuade from the women's team to copy. Beforehand, Gutierrez dons an 'I've never seen a Mackem in Japan' top for a photo with Satoshi. During Newcastle's tour of Japan last year, Satoshi gained fame when he revealed his support originated from Alan Pardew's headbutt of Hull City's David Meyler in 2014. Advertisement 'Let's Get Ready to Rhumble', by Geordie television presenters Ant and Dec, is among the songs to play in the background. A crew member reveals the playlist was sent by the club and claims some feature in the changing room on matchdays. Alongside famous Newcastle-themed tunes, songs that fans have repurposed to be about their favourite players or moments — Abba's 'Gimme, Gimme, Gimme' (Isak), 'Pretty Green Eyes' (Burn) and 'Pump It Up' ('Newcastle's won the cup') — can also be heard. The advert's tagline is 'Once a local, always a hero', which is why Asprilla, Gutierrez and Satoshi have been flown in. To the right of the stage, photos of other 'adopted Geordies' are displayed, including David Ginola, Laurent Robert and Philippe Albert, as well as the late Gary Speed, Pavel Srnicek and Cheick Tiote. Before filming has even wrapped, the temporary decorations are being removed, televisions are being screwed back onto walls and pictures rehung. It is a military operation. The Irish Centre reopens for business the next day and, aside from another closure for Fender's cameo, the locals can resume their usual drinking habits. Four days of filming, dozens of retakes, hours of footage and tens of thousands spent — and all for a two-minute advert. Newcastle may not yet be Madrid or Bayern, but this underlines how seriously Adidas is already taking this relationship. (Top photos: Newcastle)
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Liverpool's two Isak transfer meetings as three-man striker shortlist emerges
Liverpool once held a meeting about signing Alexander Isak before he left Sweden and, years later, are eyeing the Newcastle frontman as they consider three strikers this summer Liverpool had two chances to sign Alexander Isak before he rose to stardom, but remain interested in the Newcastle hitman, who is among three strikers they are tracking this summer. The Swede came through the ranks at AIK in his homeland and it was whilst he was on their books that the Reds held talks over the striker. Fotbollskanalen claimed that Liverpool discussed the young striker, but nothing came of the meeting. Isak would eventually leave for Borussia Dortmund before heading to Real Sociedad and then Newcastle. It was in Spain that he made his name, which attracted plenty of attention, but the Magpies acted and spent a club-record fee of around £60million to sign Isak. Liverpool passed up the chance to sign Isak that summer when they instead chose to spend a then club-record fee on Darwin Nunez - which left Newcastle with a free run at the Swedish star. The club's former director of research Ian Graham has admitted that Klopp's say over transfer activity was a major factor in Nunez, who had scored against the Reds in the Champions League, being picked over Isak. It has proved an inspired call and the 25-year-old is now one of the most sought after strikers in Europe. He scored against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final last season as Newcastle finally ended their trophy drought. He is now valued at well north of £100m and has a lengthy contract still to run at St James' Park. Newcastle have no plans to sell but the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool have been linked, with the Reds thought to have shortlisted him as well as two other No 9s. Alongside Isak they are also keeping tabs on Hugo Ekitike and Victor Osimhen. Current frontman Darwin Nunez has been linked with a move away with Serie A giants Napoli particularly keen. Should he leave, a replacement is right at the top of Liverpool's agenda. Despite the Premier League champions' huge outlay this summer, their PSR situation means they can continue to invest and Arne Slot wants more firepower. Osimhen would represent a very affordable option and he's proven for years that he can consistently find the back of the net. The Nigerian appears to have little future at Napoli having spent last season on loan with Turkish giants Galatasaray. The 26-year-old still scored 37 goals in all competitions last term. Osimhen reportedly has a €75m (£63m) release clause written into his contract with parent side Napoli. Ekitike meanwhile has enjoyed a stellar year with Frankfurt - and that has also caught the attention of Chelsea and Manchester United. The German club have claimed they will sell if they cannot match the striker's ambitions. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
