Liverpool Handed Boost in Alexander Isak Pursuit as Newcastle Line Up Replacements
Liverpool’s hopes of signing Alexander Isak have been revived as Newcastle United quietly explore options to replace their wantaway striker.
The Sweden international has effectively gone on strike, refusing to play in Newcastle’s Premier League opener as he pushes for a move to Anfield. The Magpies rejected Liverpool’s opening £110 million bid earlier this month, but Isak remains adamant about forcing through a transfer.
Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano reports that Liverpool are preparing a second offer, while Newcastle have begun discussions over potential attacking reinforcements.
According to the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope, Newcastle will only sanction Isak’s departure if two forwards are secured beforehand. Brentford’s Yoane Wissa tops their list, though negotiations have hit a stumbling block with the Bees now demanding £60m — up from an initial £50m valuation.
Wolves striker Jørgen Strand Larsen is also under consideration. The Athletic notes that preliminary talks have taken place via intermediaries, with the Norway international open to a move, though not actively pushing for an exit from Molineux.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has been vocal about the need for another attacker following the departures of Darwin Núñez, Luis Díaz, and Ben Doak. Speaking after the Reds’ 4-2 win over Bournemouth, Slot stressed the importance of adding depth up front:
“With Darwin and Luis gone, last season we had five or six options in attack — now we don’t. We need at least one more forward.”
While Newcastle continue to value Isak at around £150m, Liverpool have boosted their transfer budget through recent sales and could return with an improved bid before the September 1 deadline.
For now, Newcastle remain hopeful of landing Wissa, with Romano suggesting they are “waiting for the green light.” Should that deal progress, the path for Isak’s desired move to Anfield could finally begin to open.
