Liverpool have made a club-to-club approach to Newcastle United to discuss signing Swedish striker Alexander Isak, expressing willingness to pay around £120 million, which would break the British transfer record for the second time this summer after their £116 million deal for Florian Wirtz. No formal offer has been submitted, as Newcastle maintain a firm stance that Isak is not for sale, but the Reds’ interest signals their intent to secure a top No. 9 following the expected departure of Darwin Nunez, who has drawn interest from Napoli and Al-Hilal.
Isak’s Liverpool Connection and Comments
Isak, 25, has previously expressed admiration for Liverpool, notably in interviews over the past year. He described Anfield’s atmosphere as “amazing” and praised the club’s history, fueling speculation about his openness to a move. His comments, coupled with 62 goals in 109 appearances for Newcastle since his £60 million transfer from Real Sociedad in 2022, make him a prime target for Arne Slot’s squad, especially after scoring against Liverpool in the 2025 Carabao Cup final. However, Isak has not publicly pushed for a transfer, and Newcastle’s pursuit of Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike suggests they aim to pair him with Isak, not replace him.
Transfer Dynamics
Liverpool’s approach, reported on July 15, 2025, is seen by some as an attempt to unsettle Isak, though Newcastle insist he remains committed, with three years left on his contract (until 2028). The £120 million figure is below Newcastle’s rumored £150 million-plus valuation, and no formal talks have progressed. If Newcastle hold firm, Liverpool may pivot to Ekitike, a 23-year-old with 22 goals and 12 assists in 48 games for Frankfurt last season, though Newcastle are also in talks for him. Liverpool’s financial position, with projected £50 million profit in 2024-25, supports a potential record-breaking move, but Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) considerations and Nunez’s expected exit are key factors.
Sentiment and Outlook
Fan reactions on social media are mixed. Some Liverpool supporters, like those on X, are excited, calling it the “greatest transfer window ever” if Isak joins alongside Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Milos Kerkez. Others, including Newcastle fans, view the approach as disruptive, with posts noting Eddie Howe’s intent to keep Isak. Analysts suggest Liverpool’s move may hinge on encouragement from Isak’s camp, though no concrete indication of him forcing a transfer exists. If Newcastle secure Ekitike, they may be more open to negotiations, but their Champions League qualification strengthens their resolve to retain Isak.
Conclusion
Isak’s prior praise for Liverpool and his fit in Slot’s possession-based system make him an ideal target, but Newcastle’s reluctance and high valuation pose significant hurdles. The £120 million approach underscores Liverpool’s ambition to bolster their attack post-Diogo Jota’s tragic passing and Nunez’s likely exit, but without a formal bid or Isak agitating for a move, a deal remains uncertain. Liverpool may shift focus to Ekitike if talks stall, making this a pivotal saga in their summer window.
