Liverpool legend John Aldridge has thrown his support behind manager Arne Slot’s interest in Newcastle United’s star striker Alexander Isak, while issuing a firm warning against selling current forward Darwin Núñez, emphasizing the Uruguayan’s untapped potential to excel in Slot’s system for the 2025/26 Premier League season.
Aldridge’s comments come as Liverpool aim to build on their second-place finish in 2024/25 and challenge for the title, with the transfer window shaping up to be a pivotal moment for the club’s attacking lineup.
Aldridge, a key figure in Liverpool’s 1980s successes, praised Isak’s credentials, noting the 25-year-old Swede’s remarkable 25 goals in 34 Premier League games last season, including a hat-trick against Tottenham and a decisive strike in Newcastle’s 2-1 win over Manchester City.
Isak’s 19.6% shot conversion rate and ability to link play in Eddie Howe’s high-pressing system make him an ideal fit for Slot’s 4-3-3 formation, which relies on a versatile, mobile No. 9. “Isak’s a proper striker—clinical, quick, and smart,” Aldridge said. “He’d walk into our squad and give us that cutting edge. Slot’s system needs a player like him to finish the chances we create.” Reports suggest Liverpool have opened talks with Newcastle, who value Isak at £90 million, though a deal could hinge on add-ons and player swaps, with Joe Gomez and Trent Alexander-Arnold mentioned as potential makeweights.
However, Aldridge was equally adamant about retaining Núñez, despite the 26-year-old’s recent cryptic comment linking Liverpool with “sadness” and ongoing speculation about his future. Núñez, signed for £64 million (potentially £85 million) from Benfica in 2022, has divided opinion with his erratic finishing, managing seven Premier League goals in 42 appearances (17 starts) in 2024/25.
Yet, his overall record of 37 goals and assists in 4,520 Premier League minutes (a contribution every 122 minutes) highlights his potential. Aldridge believes Slot’s structured, possession-based approach could unlock Núñez’s best form, citing his work-rate and physicality as perfect for the Dutchman’s high-pressing style. “Darwin’s raw, but he’s got everything—pace, power, desire,” Aldridge said. “Selling him now would be madness. Slot can polish him into a 20-goal-a-season man.”
The warning against selling Núñez is particularly poignant given interest from Napoli (€50 million offer) and Al-Hilal (£65 million bid with £400,000-per-week wages). Aldridge argues that Núñez’s struggles, including a high-profile miss against Aston Villa and a penalty failure in the Champions League, stem from confidence issues rather than a lack of ability.
He points to Núñez’s brace against Brentford in January 2025 and his emotional tribute to the late Diogo Jota as evidence of his commitment. “He’s had tough moments, but you don’t give up on a player with his tools,” Aldridge said. “Slot’s system rewards hard-running strikers, and Darwin’s pressing is relentless.”
Liverpool’s attacking depth is a concern, with Luis Diaz’s future uncertain amid interest from Barcelona and PSG, despite Aldridge’s earlier plea to keep the winger for his 18.3% conversion rate and work-rate.
The addition of Federico Chiesa for £12 million provides options, but Aldridge sees Isak as a transformative signing who could complement, not replace, Núñez.
A potential front three of Diaz, Isak, and Mohamed Salah, with Núñez and Chiesa as impact substitutes, would give Liverpool the firepower to rival top teams. However, financial constraints and Newcastle’s reluctance to sell Isak without a hefty fee could complicate matters, especially with Liverpool’s cautious net spend of under £50 million since 2023.
Aldridge’s stance reflects a broader belief in Slot’s vision, which delivered 82 points and a Champions League spot in his debut season. With the Premier League opener against Tottenham looming, retaining Núñez while pursuing Isak could define Liverpool’s title aspirations. Aldridge’s message is clear: Isak could elevate the squad, but Núñez’s potential under Slot makes him too valuable to let go.
