Prospect of Liverpool landing Isak sends shivers through their rivals

Just a few days before his new Liverpool contract was announced, Virgil van Dijk offered a hint of what was to come at the club.

- By Matt Verri

The Reds captain signed a two-year deal in April, doing so seemingly armed with the knowledge that Liverpool had a transfer masterplan ready to be launched. “I think they're planning to make it a big summer,” Van Dijk revealed. “So we all have to trust the board to do the right job.”

You would be hard-pressed to find a Liverpool supporter unhappy with what has transpired since. By the end of June, the Reds had wrapped up a club-record £116million deal for Florian Wirtz, secured Jeremie Frimpong as a replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold, and signed Milos Kerkez for £40 million.

Hugo Ekitike has since joined and it means that Liverpool have spent close to £300 million this summer before returning from their tour to Asia. Ominously for their title rivals, the spree does not appear to be over. A new centre-back remains on the wishlist. Most notably, Liverpool are in pole position to sign Alexander Isak after the striker informed Newcastle he wants to leave.