Liverpool appear to have moved one step closer to signing Alexander Isak from Newcastle – with one of their Premier League rivals agreeing a major transfer.
Liverpool saw a £110 million offer for Newcastle striker Alexander Isak rejected earlier this month, with the Magpies making it clear they will only consider a sale if their £150 million valuation is met.
According to Craig Hope of the Daily Mail, Newcastle will not entertain any move for Isak without first securing a replacement — a search that has so far come up empty. Eddie Howe’s side have already missed out on key targets, with Benjamin Šeško joining Manchester United and Hugo Ekitike opting for Liverpool.
In their continued hunt for attacking reinforcements, Newcastle scouts were in Portugal earlier this week to watch Spain forward Samu Aghehowa in action for Porto, according to Jornal de Noticias (via Sport Witness).
Liverpool’s Isak Hopes Rest on Brentford’s Wissa Situation After Ouattara Deal
Liverpool’s pursuit of Newcastle striker Alexander Isak could hinge on developments at Brentford, where Yoane Wissa has emerged as the Magpies’ top attacking target.
Valued at around £40 million, Wissa is attracting heavy interest, and Bees manager Keith Andrews confirmed on Thursday that the DR Congo international will miss the club’s Premier League opener against Nottingham Forest, insisting he is not “ready to play” amid transfer speculation. Wissa, who had a brief absence from the squad over the summer, has since returned to training.
On the eve of the new season, Brentford appear to have made a decisive move in the forward market. According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, the Bees have agreed a club-record deal to sign Dango Ouattara from Bournemouth. The 23-year-old, who hit seven Premier League goals last season — including a hat-trick against Forest — will join for £37 million plus £5 million in add-ons.
While Ouattara is primarily a winger, he proved effective as a makeshift striker for Bournemouth last term when injuries struck. His arrival could give Brentford the confidence to sanction Wissa’s sale.
If Newcastle succeed in landing Wissa, they may finally be willing to part with Isak, a scenario hinted at by Daily Mail journalist Craig Hope earlier this week. Such a move would hand Liverpool a long-awaited opening in their push for the Sweden international, having already seen a £110 million bid rejected in early August.
With the transfer deadline looming, Brentford’s business could set off a domino effect — one that might just deliver Liverpool their marquee striker signing.
