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Liverpool boss Arne Slot told he doesn’t need Alexander Isak and should spend £120m on ‘big hole’ elsewhere

Giuseppe Labellarte

Fri 1 August 2025 16:15, UK

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has been told he would be better off investing a nine-figure sum on fixing a “big hole” elsewhere in the squad rather than Alexander Isak.

The Reds have enjoyed a bright summer on the transfer front, making several game-changing signings, and they’re not done yet.

Liverpool have been in talks with Newcastle over Isak. Indeed, Liverpool have now submitted a bid which was rejected by Newcastle, though discussions continue.

However, Anfield cult hero Steve Nicol doesn’t believe that Liverpool should go big on Isak, claiming they have a bigger priority as things stand.

Steve Nicol would rather Liverpool strengthen at centre-back than sign Alexander Isak

Steve Nicol, speaking on ESPN, claimed Liverpool’s approach for Alexander Isak is a case of “spending £120million on something you probably don’t need”.

Nicol believes a centre-back should be prioritised at present, describing it as a “big hole that clearly needs to be filled”.

“I think it’s really strange,” Nicol began. “If Liverpool signed Isak tomorrow for £120million, I wouldn’t be celebrating, which seems a little weird, doesn’t it?

“You know, I’ve just been talking about Man United and how you have to build through the middle of the team.

“You build from the back forward and get your base right. You want your centre-back, don’t you?

“If (Hugo) Ekitike hadn’t already been at Liverpool, I would be celebrating.

“But since they already have Ekitike, spending £120million on (Isak) feels like something unnecessary.

“There’s a big hole that clearly needs to be filled, but spending £120million on something you probably don’t need? That’s kind of weird.”

READ MORE: Michael Owen has already delivered Alexander Isak verdict as Liverpool target Newcastle star

Which centre-backs Liverpool are currently looking at

Liverpool remain interested in Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, who has made a real name for himself as one of the best defenders in the Premier League.

TBR Football understands Liverpool have tracked Guehi for over 12 months and remain keen on signing the 25-year-old England international.

We also understand Liverpool are looking at Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, Nottingham Forest’s Murillo and Chelsea’s Levi Colwill.

There is certainly scope for the Reds to bolster their centre-back ranks significantly this summer.

Virgil van Dijk turns 35 next year, while Ibrahima Konate is stalling on a new Liverpool contract with his deal expiring in less than 12 months.

Meanwhile, Joe Gomez’s fitness record is somewhat patchy, and Jarell Quansah has been sold.