Liverpool are reportedly prepared to shatter their transfer record for the second time this summer in a bold move for Newcastle United’s star striker, Alexander Isak. The Swedish forward’s future at St. James’ Park has been thrown into doubt as contract negotiations have stalled, sparking interest from the Premier League giants.
Liverpool’s Ambitious Summer Spending
The Reds have already made waves in the transfer market with the £116 million signing of Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, alongside deals for Jeremie Frimpong and Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez. However, securing Isak would eclipse all previous moves, potentially requiring a British-record fee exceeding £125 million.
According to reports from The Athletic, Liverpool are closely monitoring Isak’s situation and could make a formal approach if Newcastle show any willingness to negotiate. The Magpies, however, remain adamant that their talisman is not for sale and are keen to improve his £120,000-a-week contract—a task that has seen little progress since talks began earlier this year.
Newcastle’s Striker Dilemma
Newcastle are currently in Austria for pre-season training, with manager Eddie Howe eager to bolster his attacking options. The club has shown interest in Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, but their initial £70 million bid falls short of Frankfurt’s £86 million valuation. Interestingly, Liverpool have also been linked with the French U21 international, as reported by Sky Sports.
The Magpies have already agreed to sell Sean Longstaff to Leeds United, signaling a potential reshuffle in their squad. Meanwhile, Liverpool’s pursuit of a top-class striker has led them to consider alternatives, including Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins and Brentford’s Yoane Wissa—who nearly joined Arsenal in January.
Other Names in the Mix
Napoli’s Victor Osimhen has also been discussed in potential negotiations involving Darwin Nunez, while Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford was briefly mentioned—though a move seems unlikely given his recent form.
Liverpool’s busy transfer window doesn’t stop there. The club recently rejected a £58.5 million bid from Bayern Munich for Luis Diaz, holding firm on their £86 million valuation—mirroring Manchester United’s stance on Bruno Fernandes amid interest from Saudi Arabia.
Diaz’s Contract Concerns
Despite Diaz’s importance to Liverpool, sources in Colombia suggest the winger believes his current salary doesn’t reflect his value to the team. With no renewal talks in sight, Barcelona remain lurking, though no official approach has been made.
As Liverpool look to offload players, Napoli’s £55 million offer for Nunez was swiftly rejected, with the Reds seeking at least £70 million for the Uruguayan. Youngsters Harvey Elliott and Tyler Morton also attract interest, adding to what promises to be a dramatic end to the transfer window.
Will Liverpool succeed in landing Isak, or will Newcastle hold firm? One thing is certain—this summer’s transfer saga is far from over.
