Liverpool’s summer transfer window has been full of intrigue, whispers, and speculation, but behind all the headlines, one thing has become very clear — the Reds are not done yet. They still have big names on their radar, players who could transform the team and give new manager Arne Slot exactly the tools he needs to make his mark. Two names have been mentioned again and again in the corridors of Anfield and across social media: Marc Guehi and Rodrygo. Both are quality players, both could add something different to Liverpool’s squad, and yet the feeling around the club is that the pursuit of these stars is far from straightforward.
Marc Guehi, the composed and intelligent defender currently shining at Crystal Palace, has been linked to Liverpool for some time. His ability to read the game, his comfort on the ball, and his leadership qualities have made him one of the Premier League’s most promising centre-backs. Liverpool have been looking at strengthening the heart of their defence for a while now, especially with question marks around the long-term futures of some of their current centre-halves. Guehi would bring stability, youth, and Premier League experience — a combination that is incredibly hard to find. But as good as the England international is, he is not the only player occupying the minds of Liverpool’s decision-makers
The other name swirling around the transfer rumour mill is Rodrygo, the Brazilian forward who has become a key player for Real Madrid. Known for his quick feet, sharp movement, and ability to deliver on the big stage, Rodrygo is a player who has all the technical qualities Liverpool usually love in an attacker. On paper, he looks like the kind of signing that would get fans excited. A Brazilian international in his prime, capable of playing across the front line — it’s the type of move that screams ambition. However, not all that glitters is gold.
Speaking recently on the Indie Football Podcast, respected journalist Ben Jacobs shared some fascinating insight into the situation. While fans might think Liverpool would jump at the chance to sign a player of Rodrygo’s calibre, the reality is a little more complicated. Jacobs revealed that Liverpool are not entirely convinced that Rodrygo represents good value at this moment in time. And that’s where the story takes an interesting twist.
You see, value in football transfers is not just about the fee you pay to sign a player. It’s about wages, contract length, age, resale potential, and whether the player’s impact on the pitch will justify the overall investment. In Rodrygo’s case, Jacobs explained that Liverpool believe the current price point and wage demands for the Brazilian are simply too high to make him a sensible signing. In other words, while they rate him highly as a player, they don’t necessarily believe he is worth the financial outlay it would take to bring him to Anfield.
That might sound strange at first — after all, Liverpool are one of the richest clubs in the world, and they have spent big on players before. But under the FSG ownership and now with new recruitment strategies in place, the club has built a reputation for being extremely careful with its spending. They don’t just throw money at big names for the sake of it. Every deal has to make sense both on and off the pitch.
And here’s the kicker: according to Jacobs, Liverpool actually believe that Alexander Isak, the Newcastle United striker they have been chasing all summer, represents better value than Rodrygo — even though Isak would likely cost more in transfer fees.
Yes, you read that right.
It sounds counterintuitive at first. How can a player who costs more be considered better value? The answer lies in the club’s analysis of what Isak could bring to Liverpool over the next several years. At 25 years old, the Swedish striker is entering his prime, and his skill set fits perfectly into the tactical blueprint Arne Slot wants to implement. He’s tall, mobile, clinical in front of goal, and capable of linking up play in ways that could elevate Liverpool’s entire attack.
From Liverpool’s perspective, paying more upfront for Isak could be worth it in the long run if he delivers consistent goals and performances for the next five or six seasons. That kind of output could more than justify the higher transfer fee, especially if it leads to trophies and deep runs in the Champions League. On the other hand, Rodrygo, while undeniably talented, might not bring the same guarantee of consistent output in the specific role Liverpool need to fill. And when you factor in his wage demands, the equation starts to tip further away from the Brazilian.
It’s a reminder of just how calculated Liverpool’s recruitment process is. They are not driven purely by hype or reputation — they dig into the details, weigh the risks, and look at the bigger picture. And in that bigger picture, Isak seems to stand out as the more logical investment.
Of course, this doesn’t mean Liverpool are completely out of the Rodrygo race. Football is unpredictable, and circumstances can change quickly. If Real Madrid lower their asking price or if Rodrygo’s wage demands soften, the conversation could shift. But for now, the club’s energy and focus seem more firmly directed towards getting the Isak deal over the line, while keeping an eye on defensive reinforcements like Guehi.
The Guehi pursuit also fits neatly into this strategy. With Virgil van Dijk now in his 30s, Ibrahima Konaté struggling with injuries at times, and Joel Matip no longer at the club, Liverpool need to think ahead. Guehi could be a long-term fixture in the backline, learning from Van Dijk while gradually taking over the leadership role in defence. Signing him now could secure that position for the next decade.
But as with all high-quality players, there will be competition. Other Premier League clubs are aware of Guehi’s talents, and Crystal Palace are under no pressure to sell cheaply. This means Liverpool may have to make some tough financial decisions — can they afford to go big on both a top-class striker and a top-class defender in the same window? Or will they need to prioritise one over the other?
This is where the Rodrygo situation becomes even more interesting. By choosing not to spend big on the Brazilian, Liverpool could free up resources to push harder for both Isak and Guehi. It’s a case of balancing ambition with sustainability, something the club has mastered in recent years.
And make no mistake — Arne Slot will have a big say in all of this. The Dutchman has already shown that he values versatility, work rate, and tactical intelligence in his players. He will want signings who fit seamlessly into his system, not just superstars who sell shirts. That means every target will be assessed not just for their ability, but for how well they can adapt to Liverpool’s playing style.
In that sense, Isak and Guehi tick more boxes than Rodrygo right now. Isak would give Liverpool a reliable, physical presence up front, someone who can lead the line against the toughest defences in the league. Guehi would give them defensive stability for years to come. Rodrygo, while a potential game-changer, comes with higher financial risk given his current contract situation in Madrid.
The coming weeks will reveal a lot about Liverpool’s true intentions. If they go all-in for Isak and manage to secure Guehi, it could be one of the most statement-making windows the club has had in years. If Rodrygo’s situation changes, perhaps he still ends up on Merseyside. But as it stands, the hierarchy at Anfield appear to be playing the long game, choosing to invest where they believe the returns will be greatest.
And that’s why, as surprising as it sounds, Liverpool believe Alexander Isak is better value than Rodrygo — even if the price tag says otherwise. It’s not just about the numbers on a cheque. It’s about the numbers on the scoreboard. And if Isak can deliver those numbers consistently, Liverpool will feel every penny was worth i
