Liverpool and Newcastle Locked in Another £120m Transfer Tug-of-War
Liverpool and Newcastle United may once again clash in the transfer market, this time over a potential £120 million deal.
The Reds remain keen on Newcastle striker Alexander Isak, while Magpies boss Eddie Howe is reportedly eyeing Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott. According to talkSPORT, Elliott is open to leaving Anfield this summer, with German club RB Leipzig also keeping tabs on his situation.
Liverpool is believed to want over £40 million for Elliott — a valuation similar to what they set for Joe Gomez last summer. Gomez was nearly sold to Newcastle in a £45 million deal in June 2024, which would have seen Anthony Gordon move to Liverpool in exchange.
The Daily Mail revealed that Gordon had even booked a medical in Leipzig ahead of a proposed £75 million move, while he was away on Euro 2024 duty.
Amanda Staveley, former co-owner of Newcastle and a key figure in the club’s 2021 Saudi-backed takeover, confirmed Liverpool’s interest in Gordon. She stepped down shortly after the PSR (Profit and Sustainability Rules) deadline on June 30.
Speaking to The Athletic, Staveley said:
“I knew I was on the way out, but I remained focused on the fans and PIF. Leaving before the PSR deadline could’ve caused major issues. It was difficult, but I had to make sure [Newcastle CEO] Darren Eales had a clear way forward. My biggest concern was losing players like Alex Isak or Anthony Gordon to Liverpool — both are top-class. In negotiations, you have to act indifferent even when it means everything.”
Gordon, a boyhood Liverpool fan born in the city, started out at the club’s academy before moving to Everton at age 11. He later joined Newcastle in January 2023 and is close friends with Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones.
Despite a potential return to Liverpool being on the table, Newcastle pulled back due to multiple late sales elsewhere. The club raised funds by selling Elliot Anderson to Nottingham Forest for £35 million and Yankuba Minteh to Brighton for £33 million, which helped them hold on to their core players.
Gordon recently signed a new deal at Newcastle in October, but Liverpool reignited their interest this June.
talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook said that a move for the England winger is still very possible:
“Liverpool’s interest in Isak is serious, but prising him away would take a huge bid. As for Gordon, he came very close to joining Liverpool last year. Talks were at an advanced stage, but Newcastle decided to keep him. I wouldn’t be surprised if Liverpool still want him — but it would take a big offer and likely some player sales.”
Liverpool has since sold Trent Alexander-Arnold, Caoimhin Kelleher, and Jarell Quansah. Elliott could also leave soon.
Meanwhile, Newcastle hasn’t landed a major signing this window and recently saw their attempt to buy Joao Pedro blocked by Chelsea.
Whether Elliott ends up playing behind the £150m-rated Isak — in red, black and white, or just listed in transfer records — remains to be seen.
