Which Jersey Number Could Alexander Isak Wear if He Joins Liverpool?
Liverpool have secured their target. The summer's biggest transfer story is finally nearing its end. Alexander Isak is on his way to the title holders.
Determined that his chapter with the Magpies had concluded, Isak has strained relations in the North East to facilitate the defining move of his professional journey. Liverpool, after seeing a £110 million ($148.8 million) bid turned down earlier in the transfer period, have succeeded with their second club-record attempt. At £130 million, Isak is poised to become the third-costliest player in football history.
The wealthy continue to strengthen their position, with the Reds making their play despite Hugo Ekitiké's impressive beginning at Anfield. A 1–0 victory against perpetual runners-up Arsenal has provided them with an early advantage in the championship race, and acquiring the Premier League's second-highest goalscorer from last campaign has raised concerns about a possible dominant champion.
Nevertheless, before we evaluate Isak's probable influence on the defending champions, let's examine the potential jersey numbers he might don on Merseyside.
Alexander Isak Jersey Number Background
Isak has shown a preference for the No. 14 jersey throughout his professional career, donning the number at AIK, Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle United.
The forward initially wore Nos. 30 and 36 with his hometown club AIK before transferring to Dortmund in 2017. Unfortunately, his stint in the Ruhr area didn't work out, and following a loan spell at Willem II in 2018–19, where he sported the No. 9 jersey, Isak moved to Real Sociedad.
Isak maintained No. 19 throughout his three seasons in San Sebastián.
For international duty, Liverpool's latest striker has mainly worn the coveted No. 9 jersey, though he's also sported Nos. 8, 10, 11, 14 and 15 while playing for his nation.
Liverpool Open Jersey Numbers
Federico Chiesa presently holds Isak's favored No. 14, and the Italian has demonstrated his worth coming off the substitute bench at the beginning of his second campaign. The Swede's arrival, however, will reduce his impact going forward.
It's quite clear where Isak will land regarding jersey numbers on Merseyside, following Darwin Núñez's departure from No. 9 earlier this summer when he transferred to the Saudi Pro League. With Ekitiké claiming No. 22, many anticipated the club was reserving the spot for Isak to follow the unpredictable Uruguayan and become the next star to wear No. 9 at Anfield.
Nos. 16, 20, 21, 23, 24, 27 and 29 are also open. Perhaps Marc Guéhi will claim one of those alternatively.