Liverpool supporters urge Arne Slot to drop interest in Alexander Isak and focus on fixing major issue exposed in AC Milan clash.

Liverpool supporters are urging manager Arne Slot to halt the club’s pursuit of Newcastle striker Alexander Isak, pointing instead to a pressing issue that became evident during a friendly against AC Milan.

Despite already spending £265 million this summer—bringing in Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen, Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth, Giorgi Mamardashvili, and Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt for £79 million—Liverpool are still reportedly in serious talks with Isak, who is said to be unsettled at Newcastle. He previously turned down a big-money move to Saudi Arabia, and Fabrizio Romano reports that Liverpool are the only club in “concrete” negotiations for the Swedish forward.

In their pre-season opener against Milan in Asia, which ended in a 4-2 loss, Wirtz played up front, but the main concern for many fans was the lack of depth in central defence. Jarell Quansah has been sold to Bayer Leverkusen, and Joe Gomez returned home due to an Achilles issue.

Virgil van Dijk’s main defensive partner, Ibrahima Konate, remains available, and Ryan Gravenberch filled in during the Milan match. While Gravenberch is more suited to a midfield role, the team is currently short on central defenders.

Fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice their concerns, with several urging the club to prioritize signing a centre-back over Isak. Comments included calls to “put those Isak plans on hold” and reminders that an injury to Konate could leave the squad in serious trouble.

One frustrated fan noted that Quansah was sold weeks ago, yet no replacement has arrived. They acknowledged the need to strengthen the attack but stressed that the club has just three natural centre-backs, one of whom is injury-prone.

In his post-match press conference, Arne Slot addressed the issue, confirming that Quansah hasn’t been replaced. He downplayed concerns, suggesting that Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo can provide cover in central defence, even if they’re not ideal fits.

Liverpool will next face Yokohama F. Marinos in a friendly on Wednesday.