๐จ Liverpool Push for Alexander Isak as Darwin Nรบรฑez Nears Al Hilal Move
Liverpool are making a major play in the transfer market as they attempt to sign Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, with sources confirming the Swedish international has expressed a clear desire to join the reigning Premier League champions.
Isak Skips Training, Tensions Rise at Newcastle
Isak, 25, was notably absent from group training on Wednesday, continuing a recent trend of distancing himself from Newcastleโs preparations. Officially, the club cited a minor thigh injury, yet the forward trained last week in Spain with his former club Real Sociedad, raising eyebrows within the Newcastle camp. Manager Eddie Howe is said to be frustrated, particularly after learning about Isak’s trip through the media, not directly from the player.
Howe publicly stated that “players must earn the right to train with the group,” signaling clear dissatisfaction with Isak’s conduct.
ยฃ110M Bid Rejected โ But Liverpool Are Not Done
Liverpoolโs initial bid of ยฃ110 million has been rejected by Newcastle, who are holding out for ยฃ150 million. Despite Newcastleโs insistence they are under no financial pressure to sell, the situation is becoming increasingly volatile, especially as Isak has reportedly told the club he wants the move.
Newcastle are reluctant to sanction a sale without securing a replacement. Their top target, Benjamin Sesko, currently prefers a move to Manchester United, complicating Newcastle’s stance.
Darwin Nรบรฑez to Al Hilal โ Deal Close
Meanwhile, Liverpool are close to finalizing the sale of Darwin Nรบรฑez to Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia. A verbal agreement is already in place between the two clubs, and personal terms are being discussed. Nรบรฑez joined Liverpool in 2022 for a significant fee but has struggled with consistency, missing key chances despite his work rate and assists.
The sale of Nรบรฑez is expected to free up funds to escalate Liverpoolโs pursuit of Isak.
Liverpoolโs Summer Business So Far
Under new manager Arne Slot, Liverpool have already spent over ยฃ250 million, securing high-profile signings including:
- Florian Wirtz (attacking midfielder)
- Jeremie Frimpong (full-back)
- Milos Kerkez (left-back)
- Hugo Ekitike (forward)
Slot is rebuilding the squad with an emphasis on pace, pressing, and clinical finishingโqualities that Isak perfectly embodies.
Who Is Isak?
Isak joined Newcastle from Real Sociedad in 2022 for around ยฃ60 million and quickly became their star forward, helping the club qualify for the Champions League. With comparisons to Thierry Henry, Isak is known for his elegant style, smart movement, two-footed ability, and composed finishing.
Slot sees Isak as a cornerstone of his attackโable to play as a lone striker or in a two-man system.
Mood at Newcastle Turning Sour
Newcastle fans are divided. Some are disappointed with Isakโs recent behaviourโmissing club events and training without full clarityโwhile others blame the clubโs lack of ambition or player management.
With the player clearly unsettled, Newcastle may be forced to cash in if a suitable replacement is found and Liverpool return with a stronger offer.
The Bigger Picture
Liverpool have also offloaded young talents Jarrell Quansah (ยฃ35M to Bayer Leverkusen) and Tyler Morton (ยฃ15M to Lyon) to help balance the books under Premier League sustainability rules.
While other strikers like Ollie Watkins, Ivan Toney, and Jonathan David have been linked, Isak remains Liverpoolโs top priority.
โณ Whatโs Next?
- Darwin to Al Hilal: Final stages, likely to be announced soon
- Liverpoolโs new bid: Possible within days, expected to exceed ยฃ110M
- Newcastleโs replacement search: Key hurdle to selling Isak
- Isakโs stance: Firm โ he wants Liverpool and Champions League football
Fans, journalists, and scouts are all watching closely. If the dominoes fall right, Isak could be unveiled at Anfield before the window closes. Until then, the drama continues.
