Darwin Nunez's shirt number U-turn as Alexander Isak dream poses Liverpool problem

Alexander Isak could be denied his dream shirt number if he joins Liverpool. The Newcastle striker is the Reds' top attacking target, and while a move initially seemed out of reach this summer, Isak's recent request to explore his options has shifted the landscape.

Newcastle had previously insisted the 25-year-old was not for sale at any price, prompting Liverpool to turn their attention elsewhere. That led to a £79million deal for Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike being hastily sealed. However, Isak's apparent push for a move has reignited interest at Anfield.

To secure the Swedish international, Liverpool will almost certainly need to break the British transfer record for a second time this window, having already spent £116.5m on Florian Wirtz. Earlier this month, Newcastle reportedly rejected a £120m approach from the Reds, with speculation mounting that the Magpies could demand upwards of £150m.

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Adding another layer to the potential deal is the issue of shirt numbers. Isak has long favoured the No. 14 shirt - worn by his idol Thierry Henry - but that number is currently occupied at Liverpool by Federico Chiesa. He's also a fan of the No. 9 shirt, having worn it for several years on the international stage.

The No. 9 currently belongs to Darwin Nunez, but the Uruguayan has been heavily linked with a move away from Anfield this summer - potentially opening the door for Isak to inherit the iconic number. Should Liverpool land the Newcastle striker, Nunez would find himself pushed further down the pecking order, particularly with Ekitike and Cody Gakpo also vying for minutes. That, in turn, could accelerate his exit.

Even if Nunez stays, there's a precedent suggesting he might give up the No. 9 shirt willingly. Last year, he ceded the number at international level to Uruguay legend Luis Suarez, who returned to the squad after a lengthy absence.

Suarez - who famously wore No. 7 during his time at Liverpool - was touched by the gesture, praising Nunez's character. "He, with the humility that he has, a very good kid, said, 'No, Luis, you're the No. 9. I'm going to respect you'," Suarez recalled.

"Those are details that demonstrate the greatness and humility of a player who is going to be one of the best, if not [already] one of the best in the world today."

Whether Nunez would offer the same courtesy to Isak remains to be seen. The same can be said for Chiesa, who holds Isak's dream No. 14 shirt.

Isak has previously explained the roots of his affection for No. 14. Speaking to Newcastle legend Alan Shearer in January, he said: "Thierry Henry [who wore No. 14 at Arsenal and Barcelona] was definitely one player I liked a bit extra.

"Many great players have had No. 14. [David] Ginola at Newcastle. When I signed for Newcastle, out of the numbers that were available, I think 14 was the iconic one. I'm happy with No. 14, but on the other hand, I know No. 9 is a special shirt."

Isak has worn the No. 14 at Newcastle, Borussia Dortmund, and occasionally with the Swedish national team. At Real Sociedad, he sported the No. 19 - a number currently occupied at Liverpool by Harvey Elliott. However, with Elliott also tipped for a summer departure, that shirt could present yet another alternative.

For now, the Isak transfer saga is at a tense standstill. The Swede is yet to take part in Newcastle's pre-season preparations, largely due to the speculation surrounding his future.

Magpies manager Eddie Howe claimed that no immediate decision would be made about Isak, and while he did admit there was a chance the striker would be sold, he insisted he was "confident" Isak will stay.

"I wouldn't put a timescale on it. I think with these situations it has to be right for the football club, and everything then is taken into context below that," he told reporters.

"But the club will make the right decision with all the information that it has, and ultimately to try and move the club forward in whatever way that is. Then it's up to us to make good decisions the other way and try and improve the squad as best we can. That’s what we're trying to do, regardless of Alex's situation.

"But I think there's a wider picture here. There's a whole football club that has to make the decision. The ownership, together with the board of directors, especially with the money involved in modern-day transfers. The manager, of course, has an opinion, but ultimately the decision will rest with the board."

"Of course, there are things going on behind the scenes [with Alex]. He will be aware he's in the news every day, and I'm sure that's not easy for anyone in that situation. Conversations that happen between Alex and the club or Alex and myself will stay private for obvious reasons. We do share a really good relationship with him.

"He's been magnificent for us and he's very popular in the dressing room. We'd love him to continue his journey at Newcastle. I certainly hope he stays. And I said [last weekend] I was confident that he'd stay. I don't see anything that's going to change that opinion of mine at the moment, but it's football and who knows what the future may bring.

"All I would say on the broader picture is whatever happens has to be right for Newcastle. We're in a very strong position financially. We're determined to be successful. We are ambitious. We've got a great season ahead of us. We need to add to the squad and continue to improve, and the journey can continue in an upward trajectory."

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