Liverpool ready to pounce on the new Alexander Isak

Liverpool are ready to sign their next Alexander Isak.

The Swede's arrival at Liverpool last summer was more than just another high-profile transfer, it was the culmination of a pursuit that had been nearly a decade in the making.

Liverpool's interest in the Swedish striker dates back to 2016, when Michael Edwards identified Isak as one of Europe's brightest young talents during his breakthrough at AIK.

The Reds explored the possibility of bringing him to Anfield, but the teenager ultimately chose Borussia Dortmund as the next step in his development.

The club's admiration never disappeared. Years later, after Isak had established himself as one of La Liga's most exciting forwards at Real Sociedad, Liverpool again found themselves considering a move.

However, when the time came to strengthen the attack in 2022, Jurgen Klopp favoured Darwin Nunez, with the Uruguayan arriving from Benfica instead.

Despite that setback, Edwards remained a long-time admirer.

Following his return to a leading role in Liverpool's football operations, Isak once again emerged as a priority target.

A lengthy and often complicated saga with Newcastle United followed, but Liverpool eventually secured their man, ending one of the most persistent transfer pursuits in the club's recent history.

So far, however, the move has yet to truly ignite. Isak has shown flashes of the quality that made him such a coveted player, but consistency and goals have been harder to come by than many anticipated. Nevertheless, there is little sense of panic around Anfield.

With Andoni Iraola now preparing for his first full season in charge, there is growing belief that Liverpool's new head coach can unlock the best version of Isak. After waiting so long to sign him, the Reds remain convinced their patience will eventually be rewarded.

Isak proved what an exciting potential he has at the World Cup, scoring once and assisting two goals in Sweden's opening game against Tunisia.

Hopefully that is just the beginning. However, in that opening game someone else might have also caught Liverpool's eye - who has been dubbed as the next Isak.

After Isak left AIK, the club's next big prospect from the academy was Yasin Ayari. He came through AIK's academy since and burst onto prominence in a similar was as Isak. And was regarded as the next Isak in many ways.

A midfielder, Ayari spent three years at AIK before eventually joining Brighton, where he needed a bit of time to get going. However, last season was his breakthrough campaign, breaking into the starting line-up and becoming one of the most underrated midfielders in the Premier League.

Still only 22-years-old, Ayari scored a brace against Tunisia's in his first ever World Cup game and now TEAMtalk are reporting that Liverpool are a club who have registered an interest in the Sweden international.

Brighton are in contract negotiations with Ayari to renew his deal but the report claims Liverpool among a host of clubs are monitoring his situation in the background and are ready to pounce if the opportunity arises.

So, this is one to keep an eye on.

🔴 Shop the LFC 2025/26 adidas home range

👉🏻 Michael Edwards is about to do it again, brilliant Liverpool transfer on the horizon

👉🏻 You can't make it up, Liverpool about to agree outrageous deal