Liverpool manager Arne Slot says he cannot forget how he felt at Wembley last season when Newcastle United beat his side in the Carabao Cup final, with Alexander Isak scoring the winner.
Newcastle ended a 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy by beating Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final in March. Dan Burn opened the scoring and Isak doubled Newcastle’s advantage, before Federico Chiesa struck a late consolation goal.
Eddie Howe’s side were worthy of their victory, outplaying a Reds team who won the Premier League with relative ease during a thoroughly impressive first season under Slot.
Now, the English champions are looking to strengthen even further. Despite a summer overhaul that has seen them sign Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike, they are chasing Isak.
Liverpool are set to make a bid for Isak, who has informed Newcastle of his desire to leave.
With that in mind, Slot’s recent comments are certainly noteworthy.
- Who is Alexander Isak? The striker who burned his Newcastle United reputation to force £125m Liverpool transfer
Arne Slot comments on Newcastle United amid Alexander Isak saga
The Dutchman was speaking after his side’s pre-season win over Yokohama F. Marinos on Wednesday.
Liverpool have two more friendlies left before they return to Wembley to face FA Cup winners Crystal Palace on Sunday 10 August, 2025.
Slot was asked about the upcoming traditional curtain-raiser for the season and namechecked Newcastle.
“We are making steps forward, but I also didn’t forget that last season I went to Wembley, having to look at Newcastle lifting a trophy,” he said.
“In two weeks we go there again so I hope we show a different face in that final, the Community Shield, than we did in the League Cup final.”
Liverpool set to offer more than £120m for Alexander Isak this week
Liverpool will reportedly make an offer worth more than £120million for Isak imminently, now they have sold Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich.
It remains to be seen if that is enough for Newcastle to do a deal.
Even the more optimistic supporters would surely admit the striker clearly wants to leave but the fact is that Newcastle value Isak at more than £150million.
If they are to sell their prized asset not long before the Premier League campaign starts, it has to be on their terms.
If Liverpool cannot reach Newcastle’s valuation, this whole saga has been a rather ugly waste of time.
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