Alexander Isak No Longer a Priority: According to Fabrizio Romano this afternoon, Liverpool have reportedly pulled back from pursuing Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, instead redirecting their attention toward other attacking options. The club is now prioritizing striker targets such as Viktor Gyokeres—who is also on the radar of Manchester United and Arsenal—alongside two additional forwards.

Liverpool’s pursuit of Newcastle United’s star striker Alexander Isak has reportedly lost momentum, with the Premier League champions shifting their focus to Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyökeres and other attacking targets. As of June 25, 2025, Liverpool’s transfer strategy under Arne Slot is evolving after a £185.5 million summer spending spree on Florian Wirtz (£116m), Milos Kerkez (£40m), and Jeremie Frimpong (£29.5m). Newcastle’s sky-high £150-200 million valuation of Isak has deterred the Reds, prompting them to explore more cost-effective options to bolster their attack for the 2025/26 season.

Isak, 25, has been a prime target for Liverpool due to his stellar 2024/25 campaign, where he scored 27 goals and provided six assists in 42 appearances. His 23 Premier League goals, 87 dribbles, and 56 key passes showcased his elite finishing and playmaking, making him an ideal fit for Slot’s fluid system. Fan chatter has suggested Isak was keen to join Liverpool to play alongside Mohamed Salah and Wirtz, with some speculation he hesitated on a new Newcastle contract, which runs until 2028. However, Newcastle’s resolute stance and their rejection of a £61 million bid from an unnamed club have stalled negotiations, cooling Liverpool’s interest.

Instead, Liverpool are prioritizing Gyökeres, the 26-year-old Swedish striker who delivered 43 goals and 15 assists in 50 games for Sporting last season. His £70-80 million price tag is far more palatable than Isak’s, aligning with Liverpool’s need to balance their books after heavy summer investments. Other targets include Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško, and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, with Ekitike gaining traction after recent talks with his representatives. The urgency for a new striker stems from potential departures, with Darwin Núñez linked to Napoli and Federico Chiesa rumored to be on his way out.

Liverpool’s pivot from Isak reflects a pragmatic approach, especially after offloading Jarell Quansah for £35 million to Bayer Leverkusen. Supporters are split, with some disappointed at missing out on Isak’s proven Premier League pedigree, while others see Gyökeres as a savvy, high-upside signing. As Liverpool gear up for a demanding season defending their Premier League title and competing in the Champions League, their next move in the striker market will be pivotal to maintaining their attacking edge.