The game appears to be on for Alexander Isak. Liverpool had already shown quiet interest in the Newcastle United striker, but have now submitted an initial bid. That offer has been rejected.
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The transfer saga surrounding Swedish striker Alexander Isak is rapidly evolving into one of the biggest stories of the summer window.
What started as quiet interest from Liverpool and clubs in the Middle East has escalated into a full-blown tug-of-war, with Newcastle United determined to hold on to their star forward, while Isak himself appears increasingly ready to make a high-profile move away from St. James’ Park.
Liverpool have now taken their interest to the next level, submitting a formal offer reportedly in the region of €140 million, according to The Athletic. The bid, while reflecting Isak’s rising status as one of Europe’s most complete and clinical forwards, was swiftly turned down by Newcastle United, who remain reluctant to part with a player they view as central to their long-term project.
Isak’s profile has skyrocketed over the past twelve months. The 24-year-old scored 21 goals in the Premier League last season and was one of the few bright spots in what proved to be a turbulent and injury-plagued campaign for Newcastle. His ability to combine intelligent movement, physical strength, and elite finishing has made him one of the most sought-after number nines in Europe. His elegance in front of goal, coupled with his work rate and technical ability, has drawn comparisons to elite strikers like Thierry Henry and Karim Benzema players who can not only score but also shape the rhythm of a team’s attack.
The interest from Liverpool comes at a pivotal moment. With Darwin Núñez struggling for consistency and Mohamed Salah potentially entering the final chapter of his Anfield career, manager Arne Slot is said to be prioritising a reliable, versatile forward to lead the next generation of Liverpool’s attack. Isak, who is equally comfortable as a central striker or drifting wide, fits the bill perfectly.
Despite the rejection of the bid, the situation remains highly fluid. Isak is under contract with Newcastle until 2028, giving the Magpies a strong negotiating position. However, it is understood that the player has already agreed personal terms with Liverpool, signalling a clear desire to join the Merseyside giants. That agreement, if confirmed, places pressure on Newcastle to either match Isak’s ambitions or consider cashing in on what would be a record-breaking sale.
Adding to the drama is Isak’s current absence from Newcastle’s preseason activities. While the club officially cited a “thigh injury” as the reason for his delay in returning to training, multiple sources suggest that the forward is purposefully distancing himself while awaiting developments in the transfer market. Instead of joining his teammates, Isak has been training privately in Spain reportedly at the facilities of his former club, Real Sociedad, where he still enjoys a close relationship with staff and players.
Newcastle, for their part, are not yet ready to give up. The club’s hierarchy has reportedly offered Isak a new contract that would significantly increase his wages and include a structured release clause. Under the proposed deal, Isak would stay with the club for one more season and then be free to leave in the summer of 2026 for a predetermined fee. The clause would provide Newcastle with stability and give Isak a clear path toward a future move, while potentially keeping key suitors at bay at least temporarily.
Several senior players at the club have advised the Swede to consider this route, seeing it as a compromise that would preserve harmony in the dressing room and allow Newcastle to plan ahead. However, according to sources close to the player, Isak is leaning heavily toward an immediate exit. At 24, and with the opportunity to join a club competing for major trophies now, he believes the timing is right to take the next step in his career.
For Newcastle, the potential loss of Isak would be a major blow not only in footballing terms but also symbolically. The striker was one of the marquee signings of the club’s new ownership era, a player who signaled their intent to compete at the highest level. His departure would raise questions about Newcastle’s ability to retain top talent amid Financial Fair Play (FFP) constraints and limited Champions League exposure.
Liverpool, meanwhile, are continuing to push behind the scenes. While their initial offer was rejected, they are expected to return with an improved bid. The Reds are also aware of growing competition from Middle Eastern clubs, who have both the financial muscle and the patience to wait out the situation. However, Isak's preference is reportedly clear: he wants to remain in top-level European football and compete for the Premier League title and the Champions League something that aligns far more with Liverpool’s project than with a move to Saudi Arabia or elsewhere in the Gulf.
With the transfer window open for several more weeks, negotiations are expected to intensify. If Newcastle stand firm, Liverpool may be forced to walk away or consider alternative targets. But if the player continues to press for a move and refuses to return to full training, the pressure on the Magpies could become too great to ignore.
For now, Alexander Isak remains a Newcastle United player but the story is far from over. With Liverpool’s interest heating up, the next few weeks may determine not just the striker’s future, but also the trajectory of both clubs heading into the new season.
