Spanish football icon Gaizka Mendieta has hinted that Barcelona might pursue Liverpool striker Alexander Isak in the foreseeable future. The former midfielder is aware of Robert Lewandowski’s situation in Catalonia and believes his old club may turn their attention towards Isak.
Lewandowski, who has netted 105 goals in 156 appearances for Barca, marked his 37th birthday in August and is approaching the final stages of a legendary career. His contract expires next summer, though the Blaugrana possess an option to extend his tenure by an additional 12 months. Isak, 26, is still in his prime and was the subject of a record-breaking £125million move to Anfield during the summer.
However, despite this development, the Sweden international could be destined for pastures new should Barca come calling, according to Mendieta.
“There was talk in Spain of Alexander Isak going to Barcelona before he joined Liverpool, who are stronger financially,” he told OLBG.
“Of course, there will be links between the best strikers and Real Madrid and Barcelona. At the moment Barca still have Robert Lewandowski, but they’ll be looking for his replacement next year and Isak will be looked at.
“He’s a great striker, he’s been in La Liga already, he knows the competition. His performances last season for Newcastle were amazing.
“So far he seems to be settling quickly into Liverpool. Great strikers are never short of offers and opportunities in either Premier League or of course in Spain with the bigger clubs.”
Isak has managed just one goal in six appearances for the Reds since sealing his deadline day switch from Newcastle.
His arrival hasn’t delivered the impact Arne Slot would have hoped for thus far, with Liverpool suffering three consecutive defeats after their flawless start to the campaign.
Indeed, fellow summer signing Hugo Ekitike has arguably proved the more successful attacking recruit for the Reds this season.
The French forward kicked off his Merseyside career by scoring in his first two Premier League matches.
As for Mendieta’s claims regarding Barcelona’s interest in Isak, it’s difficult to envisage how such a transfer could materialise.
The Catalan club’s financial struggles have dominated headlines in recent seasons, with the outfit struggling to meet La Liga salary restrictions on multiple occasions.