Liverpool targets Isak bid

Liverpool defender's weakness highlighted after Community Shield as Carragher warns about defensive fragility ahead of the season.

Carragher picks out two Reds stars who demonstrated their major weakness vs Palace

Crystal Palace battled back from a goal down twice to take the Community Shield on penalties after a 2-2 draw with Liverpool. Liverpool led through Hugo Ekitike and Jeremie Frimpong, but Palace struck back with goals from Jean-Philippe Mateta and Ismaila Sarr. Jamie Carragher said the Reds look susceptible defensively, noting that preseason goals have come from aggressive man to man marking that leaves space in behind. He gave a tactical example, saying Milos Kerkez was dragged inside with Sarr leaving Cody Gakpo chasing.

Liverpool have strengthened up front this summer with Ekitike, Frimpong, Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez, while talk of further arrivals continues. The debate includes Alexander Isak, who Newcastle United reportedly rejected a bid for, with Liverpool prepared to return if the club sales a replacement first. Former players like Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker weigh in, predicting a title challenge if the window activity continues. The match and the chatter underscore a season where Liverpool must balance attack and defence to defend their title.

The core issue is balance. A high tempo, attack-minded approach can overwhelm opponents, but if the defensive structure or coordination lags, counterattacks become a season-long headache. Slot's acquisition of attacking depth helps, yet the risk is that new signings still need time to gel with a back line that has shown vulnerabilities. The piece suggests Liverpool could beat teams on goals, but it also foreshadows potential slip-ups against quick transitions.

Public commentary from Lineker and Shearer reflects a wider football mood: optimism around Liverpool's firepower, paired with caution about defensive gaps. If the club closes those gaps, the title remains plausible; if not, the same issues that haunted pre-season could decide missteps at crucial moments. The transfer chase, especially around Isak, signals ambition, but the window’s end will test patience and calculation more than the early-season hype.

Highlights

The balance Liverpool seeks might define the season more than any single victory.