In what's emerging as one of the most costly transfer missteps in recent Premier League history, Liverpool allowed Swedish sensation Alexander Isak to slip through their fingers not once, but twice, with the striker now terrorising defences for Newcastle United.
The revelation comes from former Liverpool defender Jose Enrique, who has lifted the lid on how close his old club came to securing the prolific forward before he joined Real Sociedad and subsequently Newcastle.
The Robertson Connection That Almost Sealed the Deal
According to Enrique, Liverpool had the perfect opportunity to sign Isak during his Borussia Dortmund days, with Andy Robertson actively campaigning for the move. "Robbo was telling everyone at Liverpool they should sign him when he was at Dortmund," Enrique revealed.
The Scottish international's endorsement carried significant weight, yet Liverpool's hierarchy failed to act, allowing the young striker to join Real Sociedad where his development continued to impress scouts across Europe.
Balotelli's Shadow Looms Large Over Transfer Decision
In a stunning twist, Enrique suggests that Liverpool's traumatic experience with Mario Balotelli directly influenced their reluctance to pursue Isak. The club's transfer committee apparently feared repeating past mistakes with another potentially volatile striker.
"They were scared because of the Balotelli situation," Enrique explained, highlighting how past failures continue to haunt Liverpool's recruitment strategy years later.
Newcastle Reap the Rewards of Liverpool's Hesitation
While Liverpool deliberated, Newcastle acted decisively, securing Isak for what now looks like a bargain £63 million. The Swedish international has since established himself as one of the Premier League's most feared attackers, leaving Liverpool fans to wonder what might have been.
His performances against Liverpool have been particularly galling for the Anfield faithful, serving as constant reminders of the transfer that got away.
A Pattern of Missed Opportunities
This isn't the first time Liverpool have hesitated on a major attacking talent. The club's transfer history is littered with near-misses that later came back to haunt them, though the Isak situation appears particularly painful given Robertson's direct involvement and the player's subsequent Premier League success.
As Liverpool continue their search for attacking reinforcements, the spectre of Alexander Isak's success at St James' Park serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of transfer indecision in the cut-throat world of Premier League football.
