The 27-year-old Swede, who has scored 62 goals in 109 appearances for Newcastle, has emerged as Arne Slot’s dream signing to bolster Liverpool’s attack for the 2025/26 Premier League season.
Earlier reports indicated Liverpool had shifted focus to RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko after Newcastle’s firm stance on keeping Isak, valued at upwards of £150m.
Manchester United, desperate for a No. 9 under Ruben Amorim, made a late push to lure Isak, leveraging their recruitment director Christopher Vivell’s connections. However, Liverpool’s relentless pursuit, driven by Fenway Sports Group’s financial maneuvering and Slot’s vision, has turned the tide.
Florian Plettenberg reported that Isak has reached a verbal agreement with Liverpool for a six-year contract until 2031, with wages matching those of recent signing Hugo Ekitike at £250,000 per week, making him the joint-third-highest earner at Anfield behind Mohamed Salah (£460,000/week) and Virgil van Dijk (£529,000/week).
Isak’s desire to join Liverpool, fueled by their Champions League pedigree and recent Club World Cup success, has been pivotal. His frustration at Newcastle, where he earns £120,000 per week and has been denied a pay rise to £300,000, intensified after he was left out of their pre-season tour.
Sources suggest Isak’s ambition to win major trophies, including the Champions League, aligns with Liverpool’s project, and his reported refusal of a £600,000-per-week offer from Saudi club Al-Hilal underscores his commitment to the Reds.
The transfer fee, expected to be a British record around £150m, is manageable for Liverpool due to their sustainable financial model and recent player sales, including Luis Díaz to Bayern Munich for £66m and potential departures of Darwin Núñez or Harvey Elliott, which could offset costs.
Isak’s Premier League-proven record—25 goals in 40 appearances last season—makes him a perfect fit for Slot’s 4-2-3-1, offering clinical finishing and versatility to complement Salah and Ekitike. However, Newcastle remain reluctant, with Eddie Howe insisting Isak is not for sale, though sources indicate the club may relent if their valuation is met.
With the Premier League season kicking off in two weeks, Liverpool are pushing to finalize the deal swiftly, potentially pairing Isak with Ekitike in a formidable attack.
This move not only strengthens Liverpool’s title aspirations but also deals a blow to rivals United and Newcastle, cementing the Reds’ dominance in the transfer market.
