Liverpool warned they won’t retain Premier League title without signing Alexander Isak and need three more signings

Liverpool must complete the incredible signing of Alexander Isak this summer if they want to retain their Premier League title.

That’s according to Reds legend Mark Lawrenson, who believes they need to address another position before the transfer window ends.

Newcastle rejected a £110million bid from Liverpool for Isak last week.

talkSPORT understands the Magpies would reluctantly cash in if they sign Benjamin Sesko, although he wants to join Manchester United.

In a summer where Newcastle have missed out on numerous targets, Sesko would deliver another big blow by joining rivals United.

This could lead them to playing hardball with the wantaway Isak, but Lawrenson suggested Liverpool must do what they can to sign him.

Speaking to talkSPORT Breakfast, the former defender gave a simple response when asked if they could win the league without Isak.

“I would possibly argue and say no, because the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal, they’re all strengthening aren’t they? So, no, to be honest.”

Andy Townsend added: “Of course, all the focus is on Isak, but a centre-half also should be a priority for them this season as well.”

Lawrenson agreed, and replied: “Absolutely. [Virgil] Van Dijk, ever-present.

“The French boy [Ibrahima Konate], for such a big lad and such a big frame, he does miss quite a few games, so I think that’s definitely up there.”

“They’ve not stopped shopping, have they? They’re probably three quarters of the way through, I would imagine there’s probably another two or three players going to come into the building at some stage.”

Although a new centre-back could become another summer signing, Lawrenson explained why Isak would be an exciting arrival.

“If it’s Isak, if he’s there as well, I mean, we all know what he can do.

“And a great thing for Liverpool, if they get him, he’s a lad who actually makes his own goals, let alone the fact that he plays for the team, he actually makes his own goals up front on his own.”

Isak has been a sensational signing for Newcastle having scored 62 goals in 109 matches since his move from Real Sociedad in 2022.

He netted the second goal in their 2-1 Carabao Cup final win against Liverpool last season as the club won their first trophy in 56 years.

However, the 25-year-old has told the club he wants to explore his options away from St. James’ Park this summer.

How have talkSPORT reacted to the Isak saga?

talkSPORT’s Ade Oladipo asked if the Sweden international would be left disappointed with a lack of top signings at the club.

Joao Pedro, Hugo Ekitike, Liam Delap and Bryan Mbeumo are some of their missed targets, with Sesko looking likely to be the next.

However, former Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan called for Isak to ‘do as he’s told’ despite looking to leave.

“There’s also a school of thought that he can do whatever he pleases. He can also do as he’s bloody told, buckle up and do as he’s told.

“It depends how strong a football club wants to be. Liverpool can sit there…

Jordan added: “Look, if Liverpool want to buy this player, then they should get on with trying to buy him, and Newcastle have got to be very strong in what they want.

“I don’t really care what Alexander Isak wants right now. If I’m the owner of the football club, the manager of the football club, my job is to make sure that I’m okay.

“So if you want to come and buy my player, come buy him or bugger off.

“Don’t use all the forces of the fact that you’re a football club that achieved something last year, your second Premier League title in 33 years but you’ve achieved it now and in the last five years, your club has re-emerged as a force in English football, dominating leagues.

“But don’t use that as an opportunity just to unsettle the player. Make a bid, or I’m going to make it really, really hard for you to buy this player.

“And I’m going to take the consequences of it, and the player will have to accept the principles of what I’m saying, and it can be done.”

Liverpool have already spent north of £250m this summer in a huge statement of intent for their Premier League title defence.

Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong have all joined, as well as Giorgi Mamardashvili.

Their campaign gets underway on Sunday in the Community Shield at Wembley against Crystal Palace, live on talkSPORT.