Alexander Isak Eager to Join Liverpool Amid Newcastle Stand-Off

Alexander Isak still wants to join Liverpool this summer. He has an agreement on personal terms, but Newcastle United won’t let their star striker leave.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Alexander Isak has told Newcastle he wants to move to Liverpool. He prefers them despite other clubs, like Al Hilal, being interested. Reports indicate that Isak has rejected talks with Saudi teams and turned down an offer from Al Hilal as he wants to prioritize Liverpool and stay in Europe. Isak, 25, was recently not in Newcastle’s squad, increasing speculation about his future. Newcastle manager Eddie Howe stated in a press conference that Isak is still under contract and that the club has control over his future. However, he admitted that a transfer could be beyond his direct control. No official offer from Liverpool has been made yet, but insiders say the Merseyside club is ready to pay nearly £150 million if Newcastle shows any willingness to negotiate.

LIVERPOOL AND NEWCASTLE: TRANSFER MOVES AND SEASON UPDATES

This summer, Liverpool has already signed players like Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt, spending around £270 million. However, they see Isak as crucial to securing their attack’s future and potentially replacing Mohamed Salah. Liverpool finished first in the 2024/25 Premier League season and aim to strengthen their squad for another title and push in the Champions League. Meanwhile, Newcastle finished fifth last season, just reaching Champions League qualification, which is a significant improvement. The Reds are undergoing major changes, including the high-profile sales of Luis Diaz and Jarell Quansah and the tragic passing of Diogo Jota. Their first Premier League game this season is against Bournemouth, a match that is crucial in setting the tone after last season’s previous success.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Liverpool is expected to wait until Newcastle changes its stance before making its first official offer. The club hierarchy sees this summer as crucial for building the squad’s next phase, with Isak remaining a priority for them. Newcastle, backed by PIF, insists that Isak is “not for sale,” but the player’s absence from matchday squads and his strong preference for Liverpool could add pressure. Since the transfer window is open until late August, future developments may hinge on Newcastle’s season results and whether Isak’s desire to leave becomes impossible for the club to ignore. Liverpool’s next Premier League match is against Arsenal, who finished just two points behind them last season, presenting an early test of their attacking options as negotiations continue off the pitch.