23/08/2025

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SATURDAY | AUG 23, 2025

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Nonchalant Reds Slot says Liverpool will only sign right player at right price amid Isak row

L IVERPOOL head coach Arne Slot has refused to be drawn on the club’s position regarding Alexander Isak. But he has reiterated the club will only sign the right player for the right fee if they want to join. Since a £110 million (RM638m) bid for Isak was rejected earlier this month, the club have not returned to negotiations although they have never formally walked away from pursuing a deal. Isak’s decision to go public on Tuesday, accusing Newcastle of breaking promises and saying he “can’t continue” and “change is in the best interests of everyone”, has intensified speculation about the striker’s future. Newcastle’s response was to say: “We have been clear that the conditions of a sale this summer have not transpired. We do not foresee those conditions being met.” It adds extra spice for when the two teams meet at St James’ Park on Tuesday (3am Malaysian time), with Isak expected to absent again as he continues to train away from the squad. “I am happy with the squad but if we think there is a player who can really make us better then this club has always shown they can bring them in,” said Slot, who has already benefited from a £300 million-plus (RM1.74m) spending spree this summer, offset by more than £200 million (RM1.16m) of sales. “But it needs to be everything we want: right transfer fee, right position and the player wants to come to us. Ű BY CARL MARKHAM & RICHARD JOLLY

Bayer Leverkusen, was taken off in his Premier League debut, Liverpool’s 4-2 win over Bournemouth, when Slot’s backroom staff suspected he had a problem and tests confirmed that he will be out until September. “The medical team were completely right about Jeremie to tell me that I had to take him off because he is out until the end of the international break and that happened during the game,” he said. “I think I got criticised a bit for taking him off, didn’t I? I’ve already said it had nothing to do with how he played but we felt he had an issue with his hamstring and by we, I mean the medical staff.” Joe Gomez was pressed into action for 18 minutes despite having had just two training sessions after three weeks out with injury and as a result was not able to train three days in a row afterwards. He could still be in contention at Newcastle, with Conor Bradley, named in

options and Newcastle have them as well.” However, Slot’s options have been reduced at right-back with new signing Jeremie Frimpong ruled out until after next month’s international break with a hamstring injury sustained in their opening victory over Bournemouth. Frimpong, a £30 million (RM174m) buy from

“I say two players for each positions is ideal, but sometimes less is more so you are not disappointing players.” Slot rejected the

suggestion their trip to the north east would be made easier by Isak’s absence and the turmoil surrounding the club. “I don’t think they are a club with troubles,” he added. “I assume Isak is

Arne Slot

not playin but they still have Anthony Gordon as a No. 9, they have Anthony Elanga as a right winger and Harvey Barnes from the left – and Jacob Murphy is not even playing. “This is the P r emi e r League, we all have a lot of

Isak

Northern Ireland’s squad for next month’s games, only returning to training himself on Thursday. “At the moment we only have two injuries, but unfortunately it is two in the same position,” said Slot. “The good thing is we

have other players that can play there. Wataru Endo played there for a few minutes, Dominik Szoboszlai has already played there.

“I don’t think (it will be a busy end to the window) because (that would mean) I would be unhappy with the squad and I am happy with the squad.

There are other options we can explore.” – The Independent

Gunners locked and loaded

Putt-perfect Henley

- Story on page 27

- Story on page 28

- Story on page 30 Sto p

Clash of titans

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