Yesterday, reports emerged that Liverpool are aggressively targeting Newcastle United’s star striker Alexander Isak, with a potential £130 million deal on the table to secure his services. The Reds have identified the Swedish international as their top choice to bolster their attacking line, but Newcastle’s firm stance on retaining their No. 14 has prompted Liverpool to consider alternative options.
🚨🔴 Liverpool have again confirmed to Newcastle intention to present record bid for Alexander Isak, as revealed on Tuesday.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 15, 2025
The proposal is ready for £120m package but will only be sent if Newcastle change their stance, always been… not for sale.
🎥 https://t.co/pe35349gRE pic.twitter.com/MsPl6BPNQI
According to the Daily Mail’s Dominic King, discussions involving sporting director Richard Hughes and chief scout Barry Hunter have highlighted five other strikers as potential targets should the Isak deal fall through.
Need for a new forward
Liverpool’s need for a new striker has become pressing following the tragic loss of Diogo Jota, whose death at age 28 has left a significant void in the squad. Additionally, speculation surrounds Luis Diaz, with Bayern Munich reportedly eyeing the winger as a potential transfer target.
Meanwhile, Darwin Nunez’s inconsistent performances have fueled rumors of a possible move to Napoli or a Saudi Pro League club, further necessitating a marquee signing to replace him as the focal point of Liverpool’s attack under manager Arne Slot. The Reds are seeking a versatile forward who can both score and facilitate, aligning with Slot’s vision of a dynamic, goal-sharing front line.
Liverpool’s Five Alternative Striker Targets
In the event that Newcastle refuse to budge on Isak, Liverpool have a shortlist of five strikers under consideration:
Alternative #1: Hugo Ekitike (Eintracht Frankfurt)
Hugo Ekitike, a 23-year-old French striker, represents a younger, high-potential option. Playing for Eintracht Frankfurt, Ekitike has attracted interest from both Liverpool and Newcastle, with the latter having a bid in the region of £70m rejected. Ekiteke has resemblances to Alexander Isak with his 6’3” frame and versatility, making him an appealing prospect for Slot’s system.
However, his relatively limited top-tier experience after a failed time at PSG compared to Isak and the high transfer fee demanded by Frankfurt could make Liverpool hesitant to pursue him aggressively and they may choose to shop elsewhere and patiently wait for Isak.
Hugo Ekitike’s goal vs Spurs tonight. Currently 1-1 at the Tottenham Hotspur’s Stadium. Interesting to think how he would be doing if he did join #NUFC back in 2022.
— Oliver Gill (@OllyGill_) April 10, 2025
pic.twitter.com/m1otCi2W4Z
Alternative #2: Marcus Rashford (Manchester United)
Marcus Rashford was “floated” as a potential target during Liverpool’s transfer discussions, though no serious progress has been made. Rashford, having recently returned to Manchester United from his positive loan at Aston Villa, is still out of favor under manager Ruben Amorim due to questions about his work ethic and has been told to find a new club this season.
In the 2024/25 season, he played 17 matches for Villa, scoring 4 goals and providing 6 assists across all competitions. His versatility to play as a winger or central striker is appealing, but his age (turning 28 in October) and the historic rivalry between the two clubs make a move probably unlikely.
Alternative #3: Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
Ollie Watkins has been a consistent performer for a number of season now for Aston Villa, catching Liverpool’s attention. In the 2024/25 Premier League season, Watkins has scored 16 goals in 38 appearances, placing him among the top strikers in the league, though behind Isak and Erling Haaland.
His ability to link play and contribute to build-up makes him a potential fit for Slot’s system, but at nearly 30 (turning 30 in December), his long-term value is limited compared to younger prospects and goes against Liverpool's transfer ethos. Liverpool have reportedly inquired about his availability and the England forward did seem to fall out of favour under Unai Emery at the end of last season, with the manager favouring Marcus Rashford to lead the line over him.
Alternative #4: Yoane Wissa (Brentford)
Yoane Wissa, the 29-year-old Congolese forward, has emerged as a surprise candidate for Liverpool. In the 2024/25 season, Wissa scored 19 goals in 35 appearances for Brentford, ranking him among the Premier League’s most prolific strikers.
His work rate and ability to press suit Slot’s high-intensity style, but like Watkins, his age (turning 29 in September) raises questions about his potential for further improvement. Interest from Tottenham and Nottingham Forest could also drive up his transfer fee, estimated at around £60 million.
Alternative #5: Victor Osimhen (Napoli)
Victor Osimhen, the 26-year-old Nigerian striker, is one of the more intriguing options on Liverpool’s radar. Currently pushing for a permanent move away from Napoli after a loan spell at Galatasaray, Osimhen has a proven track record as a lethal goalscorer.
In the 2024/25 season, he has scored 37 goals in 41 appearances across all competitions. His physicality and clinical finishing make him a strong candidate, though his high transfer fee and interest from other European clubs, including Chelsea, could pose challenges. A potential swap deal involving Nunez has been mentioned, but Napoli’s financial demands remain a hurdle.
brooooooo, osimhen is a bully as a striker!
— 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐄𝐒 (@ChaaliiyKay) May 14, 2025
look at how they shifted that guy before shooting the ball.
what a player!
pic.twitter.com/EVAkUCkS3F
Conclusion: What’s Next for Liverpool?
Liverpool’s primary focus remains on securing Alexander Isak, with a £130 million deal potentially capable of swaying Newcastle, despite their public insistence that he is not for sale.
Should the Isak transfer fail, the Reds’ shortlist of Rashford, Watkins, Wissa, Osimhen, and Ekitike offers varied options, though none are seen as truly world-class alternatives. The departure of Nunez seems increasingly likely, and Liverpool’s ability to land a top striker will depend on their willingness to meet high transfer fees and navigate competition from clubs like Bayern Munich, Chelsea, and Arsenal. With Slot aiming to maintain Liverpool’s Premier League title challenge, a decisive move in the transfer market will be crucial to filling the void left by potentially Nunez, Diaz and the always remembered Diogo Jota.
