LIVERPOOL summer transfer window continues to simmer with high-stakes negotiations, and the latest reports indicate that Liverpool is preparing a colossal £120 million bid for Newcastle United’s star striker, Alexander Isak. However, this monumental offer is contingent on a crucial condition: Newcastle United must first open the doors to his sale. The decision, confirmed on Tuesday, places the ball firmly in the Magpies’ court, as they have maintained a steadfast “not-for-sale” stance on their prized asset throughout the summer.
Isak, for his part, has reportedly not closed the door to a potential move to Liverpool, leaving the ultimate decision to his current club. This intriguing development sets the stage for a tense standoff, with Liverpool having a clear alternative in mind if the Isak deal proves impossible: Eintracht Frankfurt’s highly-rated forward, Hugo Ekitike.
Alexander Isak: Newcastle’s Crown Jewel and Liverpool’s Top Target
Since his £63 million arrival from Real Sociedad in 2022, Alexander Isak has been nothing short of a sensation at St. James’ Park. The 25-year-old Swedish international has become a fan favorite and a pivotal figure in Newcastle’s resurgence under Eddie Howe.
- Prolific Scoring: Isak enjoyed his most fruitful Premier League campaign in 2024-25, netting an impressive 23 goals, a tally only bettered by Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah (29). In total, he has scored 62 goals in 109 appearances for Newcastle across all competitions.
- Key Contributions: His goals have been instrumental in Newcastle securing Champions League football for the second time in three years and, notably, scoring the winner in their Carabao Cup final victory over Liverpool in March, ending the Magpies’ 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy.
- Contractual Security: Isak remains under contract at St. James’ Park until the summer of 2028, giving Newcastle a strong negotiating position. The club is reportedly even attempting to tie him down to a new, improved deal to ward off suitors.
Liverpool’s long-standing interest in Isak dates back to his teenage years at AIK. Now, with Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz linked with potential exits, Arne Slot’s side is keen to bolster their attacking options with a proven Premier League goalscorer. The proposed £120 million bid would represent another British record transfer for Liverpool, following their recent acquisition of Florian Wirtz for up to £116.5 million.
Newcastle’s Unwavering Stance: A “Not-For-Sale” Policy
Despite Liverpool’s significant interest and the astronomical sum being prepared, Newcastle United has maintained a firm “not-for-sale” stance on Alexander Isak. Sources from the North East insist that the club has no interest in parting ways with their top asset and reportedly value him at around £150 million to deter potential buyers.
Newcastle’s majority owners, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, possess the financial muscle to resist any approach, should they remain steadfast. However, the realities of Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) in the Premier League, which saw Newcastle forced to sell players like Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh last summer, mean that a bid of this magnitude could at least force them to consider their position. The club’s ongoing pursuit of Hugo Ekitike is reportedly seen by Newcastle as a move to sign a new teammate for Isak, rather than a replacement.
The situation is further complicated by reports that Liverpool’s approach is being viewed by some as an attempt to “unsettle” Isak, who has not yet indicated a desire to leave St. James’ Park.
Hugo Ekitike: The High-Value Alternative
If Newcastle remains resolute in their decision to keep Isak, Liverpool has a clear and compelling alternative in Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt. The 23-year-old French forward has also been a target for Newcastle, who recently saw a £70 million bid rejected for him, with Frankfurt reportedly valuing him at closer to £85 million.
Ekitike enjoyed a breakout season in the Bundesliga, scoring 22 goals and providing 12 assists in 48 appearances across all competitions, helping Eintracht secure Champions League football. His impressive form has quickly reignited his career after a quieter stint at Paris Saint-Germain.
Liverpool’s interest in Ekitike is strong, and they are reportedly ready to rival Newcastle for his signature if the Isak deal falls through. Ekitike’s profile, including his age, potential, and recent goal-scoring record, makes him a highly attractive option for Arne Slot’s attacking plans.
The Coming Days: A Pivotal Period for All Parties
The next few days will be crucial in this unfolding transfer saga. Liverpool’s willingness to commit a British record fee for Isak, coupled with the player’s openness to the move, puts significant pressure on Newcastle’s “not-for-sale” stance.
Should Newcastle decide to negotiate, the deal could reshape both clubs’ attacking futures. If they hold firm, Liverpool will likely pivot to Ekitike, setting up another potential bidding war with Newcastle, who are also keen on the Frenchman. The outcome will undoubtedly be one of the most talked-about transfers of the summer, impacting the competitive landscape of the Premier League and beyond.
Stay updated with the latest Liverpool transfer news, Alexander Isak News, and Premier League signings as the summer window unfolds.
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