5 Key Takeaways
- Liverpool opted for £85 million Darwin Nunez over £63 million Alexander Isak in 2022
- The decision was based on Jurgen Klopp’s personal preference, not data models
- Alexander Isak has since scored 54 goals in 86 Premier League games for Newcastle
- Liverpool’s missed opportunity could cost them a £100 million swing in player value
- Despite the past snub, Liverpool remain interested in Isak amid Newcastle’s financial pressure
Klopp Overrules Analytics in Striker Decision
In 2022, Liverpool found themselves at a transfer crossroads. The club’s data team had flagged Alexander Isak as a long-term gem, available for around £63 million. But it was Jurgen Klopp’s conviction in Darwin Nunez—signed for £85 million—that ultimately guided the final call.
Isak’s Rise Highlights a Costly Miss
Since joining Newcastle United, Isak has flourished, registering 54 Premier League goals in 86 appearances. By contrast, Nunez has struggled with consistency, scoring 25 in 95 games. The difference has become glaring, both on the pitch and in the market.
A £100M Regret in Hindsight
With Isak’s value now estimated at over £150 million, Liverpool’s failure to secure him could be one of the costliest in recent memory. The missed profit margin, coupled with on-field performance, marks a major recruitment what-if.
Liverpool Still Interested in Isak
Despite letting him slip away once, Liverpool are said to still be tracking Isak. Newcastle’s ongoing PSR constraints could open the door for a renewed bid, especially if the Reds part ways with underperforming forwards.
Data vs Managerial Instinct
The Isak saga underscores a long-standing tension at Anfield—between data-led recruitment and managerial instinct. Klopp’s emotional investment in Nunez clashed with the analytics team’s projection. Now, with Isak blossoming elsewhere, that internal debate is back under the microscope.
Stay Tuned with Goal Drift
Liverpool’s choice to go for Nunez over Isak is proving to be one of the defining decisions of their recent transfer history. As the Reds weigh another potential move for Alexander Isak, keep following Goal Drift for the latest twists in this unfolding saga.
