In the unpredictable world of football transfers, where every move can spark a ripple effect across top clubs, Rio Ferdinand has tossed out a theory that’s raising eyebrows—and possibly making Liverpool fans a bit nervous.
The former Manchester United defender believes his old club might hold the key to stopping Liverpool from snapping up Newcastle star Alexander Isak.
And no, this isn’t just about boosting United—it’s about throwing a wrench into their rivals’ summer plans.
Isak’s Absence Sparks Transfer Talk
Alexander Isak, Newcastle’s standout striker, has been the subject of major transfer speculation after being left out of the club’s pre-season tour to the Far East.
Officially, he’s sidelined due to a thigh injury, but behind the scenes, there’s more going on.
According to Mail Sport, Isak has reportedly asked the club to consider offers for a move this summer—and Liverpool is currently leading the race.
With Luis Diaz expected to join Bayern Munich in a £65 million deal, Liverpool could soon have the funds to make a serious bid for Isak.
Newcastle are already preparing themselves for that possibility, exploring other striker options in case they lose their Swedish forward.
Newcastle’s Backup Plan Already in Motion
The Magpies aren’t sitting idle.
Reports say they’ve been pursuing multiple strikers, with Yoane Wissa and Benjamin Sesko emerging as top targets.
Interestingly, Manchester United is also eyeing Sesko, along with Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, as they continue their search for a reliable striker to fill a major gap.
According to Mail Sport, Sesko is available for around £60 million plus add-ons for certain clubs—an amount that isn’t out of reach for United or Liverpool.
That price tag could make things interesting in the days ahead.
Ferdinand’s Bold Strategy to Undercut Liverpool
So where does Rio Ferdinand fit into all this?
Speaking on his Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, the United legend pitched a somewhat cheeky idea: United should move quickly for Sesko—not just for their own benefit, but to block Liverpool from landing Isak.
“Here’s my conspiracy theory,” Ferdinand said.
“If we go and buy Sesko, and Newcastle don’t manage to replace Isak with a No. 9, they might not let him go. That means Isak doesn’t go to Liverpool, and that weakens them.”
Sure, he admitted it wouldn’t have been his first-choice strategy, especially since he’s been vocal about preferring more experienced strikers.
But in the current transfer climate, Ferdinand thinks it could be a smart tactical move.
Liverpool’s Busy and Bold Transfer Window
Ferdinand’s theory doesn’t come out of nowhere.
Liverpool have been incredibly active and aggressive this summer.
They’ve already outmaneuvered Newcastle by signing Hugo Ekitike and beat several other top clubs to land Florian Wirtz for a whopping £116 million.
They also brought in Hugo Ekitike for £69 million plus add-ons, Milos Kerkez for £40 million, Jeremie Frimpong for £29.5 million, and goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili for £25 million.
If they add Isak to that list, Ferdinand fears the balance of power could shift heavily in Liverpool’s favor.
As he put it, “If they get Isak, it’s lights out for the Premier League.”
United’s Dilemma: Experience vs. Potential
Back on the subject of Manchester United’s striker hunt, Ferdinand didn’t dismiss the appeal of a player like Ollie Watkins.
While Sesko is promising, Watkins brings a level of Premier League certainty that can’t be ignored.
“With Watkins, you’re getting 15 to 20 goals guaranteed,” Ferdinand explained.
“Add that to someone like Matheus Cunha or Bryan Mbeumo, and suddenly you’ve got consistent goal scorers. We were 16th in goals last season—this combo could bring us 40-plus.”
Still, there’s always a gamble when bringing in a younger player like Sesko, especially from outside the Premier League.
“The question is—can he adapt?” Ferdinand mused.
What’s Next in the Transfer Chess Game?
With Liverpool gearing up to make a move for Isak, Newcastle scrambling for replacements, and United weighing their options, the next few weeks could decide a lot.
Will Ferdinand’s ‘conspiracy theory’ play out in real time? Could Manchester United spoil Liverpool’s plans by jumping in for Sesko?
Or will Liverpool seal the deal for Isak and continue to dominate the summer window?
Football fans might want to buckle up—this transfer window is far from over.