Liverpool’s pursuit of Alexander Isak has quickly become one of the standout transfer sagas of the summer. The Merseyside club made a bold £110 million offer for the Newcastle striker, which was swiftly turned down. Isak, fresh from an impressive 2024/25 Premier League campaign where he netted 23 goals (second only to Mohamed Salah), had just returned to Newcastle from training in Spain with his former club, Real Sociedad. As Liverpool look to strengthen their frontline and plan for the post-Salah/Nunez era, their interest in Isak signals serious intent.
Adding to the intrigue, the bid came while Isak was absent from Newcastle’s preseason Asia tour — a move that surprised many, including manager Eddie Howe, who reportedly learned of it through the media. Isak’s decision to train separately, coupled with Liverpool’s offer, suggests that a move might already be in motion. However, their bid fell short of Newcastle’s £150 million valuation, despite including performance-based add-ons.
Newcastle’s rejection wasn’t just firm — it also hinted at contingency planning. The club is reported to have bid £70 million for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, a highly rated Slovenian striker also on Manchester United’s radar. Leipzig has confirmed interest from multiple clubs, and Newcastle’s swift move for Sesko implies they’re preparing for life after Isak.
Isak’s appeal to Liverpool is clear. His skill set goes far beyond goal-scoring — he’s a versatile forward who can link play, create space, and convert chances in multiple ways. His elite per-90 stats across Europe highlight him as a potential cornerstone for Liverpool’s future attack.
For Newcastle, the situation is delicate. Letting go of their star forward — especially to a Premier League rival like Liverpool, who they face on August 25 — is risky. Financial Fair Play pressures and the potential to reinvest wisely mean they can’t outright ignore substantial offers. But with Callum Wilson gone and only Will Osula available as a senior striker, selling Isak without a replacement would leave them dangerously thin up front.
Complicating matters further is Isak’s own position. Reports suggest he’s open to a move, which fuels uncertainty at Newcastle, particularly for Howe, who’s already dealing with a disrupted preseason. Isak’s absence from the tour and lack of communication have only added to the tension.
Liverpool, under new manager Arne Slot, are undergoing an aggressive rebuild. After a strong preseason showing, they’re looking to bring in a marquee signing to help push for trophies. Isak fits that profile, and while it remains to be seen whether they’ll meet Newcastle’s asking price, their initial bid is a clear statement of intent.
What happens next hinges on several factors: Will Liverpool up their offer? Can Newcastle land a replacement like Sesko? And will Isak actively push for a move? A formal transfer request could change the dynamic significantly.
The August 25 Premier League clash between Newcastle and Liverpool now holds even more intrigue. If Isak stays, questions about his role and fan reaction will loom large. If he joins Liverpool, he could debut against his former club in dramatic fashion.
Beyond Isak, Newcastle’s transfer window has been frustrating. They’ve missed out on targets like Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Hugo Ekitike, and seemingly Yoane Wissa. With time running out, they must act decisively or risk undermining their season’s ambitions.
Meanwhile, Liverpool are pressing ahead with a clear strategy: reload, not just rebuild. If they secure Isak, it could spark a chain reaction in the transfer market. Clubs like Manchester United may move quickly for strikers like Sesko, and Newcastle would be forced to pivot fast.
For now, Newcastle are holding their ground, Liverpool are watching closely, and Isak sits at the heart of one of this summer’s most compelling transfer stories. The next few weeks — and the next move — will be critical.
