Liverpool planning a grand gesture for Alexander Isak as a deal with Newcastle expected to reach

Having made a spree of signings already, the Premier League champions Liverpool are not yet done with the transfer window and are working their way to rope in Newcastle United forward Alexander Isak. The Reds are willing to splurge as much as £100 million to land the player and are set to submit the sum as their first bid. Newcastle, on the other hand, would demand an incoming of £150 million. It is expected that a common ground will be reached, and the player will soon shift his base to Anfield from St. James’ Park.

Should the deal successfully take place, Liverpool have planned a huge gift for the potential recruit. The club is reportedly ready to vacate the No.14 jersey and hand it to Isak. No.14 and Isak have a long-term connection. The player has worn the number during the entirety of his Newcastle stint. The Swede was a No.14 at Dortmund as well. However, he donned the No.19 at Real Sociedad.

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He will most likely wear the No.14 jersey of Liverpool too. But the jersey is not free at the moment. It currently belongs to Federico Chiesa. The Italian arrived with big hopes last summer, but struggled for minutes throughout the season, and hence he is linked to a return to Serie A.

Why Isak fancies the No.14 jersey?

As Chiesa’s future is uncertain, Liverpool are considering giving his number to Isak. Chiesa prefers to wear the No.14 jersey because his idol Thierry Henry used to don the same jersey number when he was active.

“I would probably stay with No.14, yeah,” Isak said. “I think it’s a difficult one because I’ve been successful with No.14, and it would probably not be an easy decision.”

He revealed to Alan Shearer the significance of wearing 14, which may be waiting for him at Liverpool: “He [Henry] was definitely one player I liked a bit extra.

“Many great players have had number 14, you have [David] Ginola from Newcastle as well. When I signed for Newcastle, out of the numbers that was available, I think 14 was the most iconic one.”

Liverpool have had a distinguished summer transfer window so far. They have already welcomed  Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong, and are on course to add Alexander Isak to the list.