Pay close attention Newcastle United as Liverpool make first move to sign player who Thierry Henry loves

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There are two reasons why Liverpool’s latest transfer decision could be excellent news for Newcastle United.

The Reds have already made some impressive signings this summer, with Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong arriving at Anfield to join Arne Slot’s Premier League winners. But they are not finished there, with Liverpool eager to sign a striker.

Liverpool are interested in Alexander Isak, which is no great surprise. They are English football’s top club, while Isak is one of the world’s best strikers.

But Newcastle do not want to sell Isak, which will force Liverpool to take their business elsewhere.

• Who is Alexander Isak? The striker who burned his Newcastle United reputation to force £125m Liverpool transfer

Liverpool move to sign Alexander Isak alternative

They appear to be doing exactly that, with rumours from France suggesting that Liverpool have identified an alternative target.

According to Foot Mercato, Liverpool are interested in signing Jean-Philippe Mateta from Crystal Palace.

The report states that Liverpool have made contact over a deal and have also met the 28-year-old and his representatives in Paris.

If the Reds were to sign Mateta, it would almost certainly end their pursuit of Isak. It would also end their pursuit of Hugo Ekitike, who has been linked with a move to Merseyside.

Ekitike is a Newcastle United target too, with Eddie Howe wanting to play the Frenchman alongside Isak.

How Jean-Philippe Mateta compares to Alexander Isak

The Newcastle United striker and Mateta have both enjoyed successful back-to-back seasons in English football. They both hit double figures in the 2023/24 and 2024/25 seasons, with Isak proving to be the most prolific.

Isak vs Mateta stats:

They are also both strikers who have won the admiration of World Cup winner and Premier League legend Thierry Henry. Isak has often been compared to the Arsenal icon, while Henry recently called him a ‘great player’.

As for Mateta, Henry actually managed him at the 2024 Olympic Games. Henry was in charge of the France Under-23s side that won a silver medal, with Mateta scoring five goals.

As reported by Crystal Palace’s official website, Henry said about Mateta: “He’s an old-fashioned striker – you can play a little more direct. He can keep the ball.

“He’s a boring striker to play against! He doesn’t lose the ball much, and he goes at the last defender. He uses his physicality, he’s good with his head, and he scores.

“It’s important that a striker like that gives you another dimension. He was also voted Player of the Year at Crystal Palace. It seems to me that he’s not too bad!”