The 25-year-old Swede, who netted 23 Premier League goals last season, has been a prime target for the Reds. Their opening bid of around £110m plus add-ons was rejected by Newcastle, who value Isak at closer to £150m. Despite reports of Liverpool briefly stepping back, they are now preparing a potentially record-breaking second offer, fueled by recent player sales. Liverpool’s financial boost comes from raising over £120m through the departures of Luis Diaz, Caoimhin Kelleher, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Jarell Quansah, plus £46.2m from Darwin Nunez’s transfer to Al-Hilal. This has given them the funds to meet Newcastle’s steep valuation, which could make Isak the most expensive signing in Premier League history.
Isak has made his desire to join Liverpool clear, reportedly skipping Newcastle’s pre-season tour of Asia and training alone at his former club, Real Sociedad. This has put Newcastle manager Eddie Howe in a difficult spot, as he admitted that while Isak remains under contract, his future is not entirely in the club’s control. Newcastle’s reluctance to sell is compounded by their failure to secure a replacement. They’ve been linked with strikers like Benjamin Sesko, Ollie Watkins, Nicolas Jackson, and Yoane Wissa, but no deals have materialized. The earlier departure of Callum Wilson has left their attacking options thin, and their only major signing, winger Anthony Elanga for £55m, doesn’t address the potential void left by Isak.
Liverpool’s aggressive approach has raised eyebrows, especially after their £79m signing of Hugo Ekitike. Critics, including Jamie Carragher, have questioned the need to spend £150m on another striker, arguing it deviates from Liverpool’s typically prudent transfer policy. However, Isak’s clinical finishing, versatility, and Premier League pedigree make him a prime target for Arne Slot, who aims to maintain Liverpool’s title-winning form. Reports indicate a second bid of €161.7m is in the works, with Isak reportedly agreeing personal terms with Liverpool until 2031. The main hurdle remains Newcastle’s approval, but with the transfer window nearing its September 1 deadline, pressure is mounting.
For Newcastle, losing Isak would be a major setback, both on the pitch and among fans already frustrated by a lackluster transfer window. The financial ties between Newcastle and Al-Hilal, both owned by the Saudi Public Investment Fund, add complexity, as Nunez’s sale could indirectly fund Liverpool’s bid. As Liverpool push forward and Isak’s camp applies pressure, Newcastle’s plans risk unraveling, setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion to this high-stakes transfer saga.
