Arne Slot outlines three conditions for sealing Alexander Isak transfer – Liverpool already tick two boxes
Liverpool boss Arne Slot faced inevitable questions about Alexander Isak’s future during his pre-match press conference ahead of the Newcastle clash, with speculation around the Swedish striker continuing to dominate headlines.
The Reds had an opening bid of £110m rejected earlier this month, and since then Isak has refused to play, trained alone, missed Newcastle’s Premier League opener, and even released a fiery statement suggesting his time at St. James’ Park is over.
With that backdrop, many expected Slot to have a pointed response. Instead, the Dutchman kept his cards close to his chest.
“What I can tell you is not a lot!” he said. “It’s much nicer to speak about the players I already have. Federico [Chiesa] came on last week and scored, so I’d rather focus on that. But I understand why you ask.”
Pressed further on Liverpool’s transfer activity, Slot added:
“I don’t think it will be a busy end to the window, because that would suggest I’m unhappy with the squad – and I’m not. Ideally, you want two players per position, but sometimes less is better to avoid disappointing players. Still, if there’s someone who can make us stronger, the club has always shown they’ll go for it.”
Slot then outlined the three conditions Liverpool require before signing anyone:
- The right transfer fee
- The right position
- The player wanting to join
For Isak, two of those boxes are already ticked. Liverpool are in the market for a forward following the departures of Luis Díaz (to Bayern Munich, £65m), Darwin Núñez (to Al Hilal, £45m) and Ben Doak (to Bournemouth, £25m). And the 25-year-old striker has made it abundantly clear that he wants the Anfield move, given his recent actions.
The stumbling block remains the fee. Newcastle rejected £110m and are thought to want closer to £150m, with insiders suggesting £130m could be a potential compromise. However, the player’s public stance this week has yet to soften Newcastle’s resolve—backed by the deep pockets of the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund.
Just as he did last season when fielding constant questions about Salah, Van Dijk, and Alexander-Arnold’s contracts, Slot refused to be drawn into speculation about a possible British record transfer.
For now, Liverpool and Isak appear aligned. The only question is whether Newcastle’s owners can be persuaded to meet them halfway.
