Report: Liverpool Face Major Setback in Pursuit of Alexander Isak as Newcastle Demand Staggering Transfer Fee
Liverpool’s hopes of landing Swedish striker Alexander Isak this summer appear all but over, following revelations of Newcastle United’s extraordinary valuation of the player. Despite mounting speculation linking the forward with a big-money move to Anfield, credible sources close to both clubs have poured cold water on the growing rumours, stating that a transfer is highly unlikely to materialize during this window.
Liverpool’s Ambitious Summer Plans
The Reds have already made headlines this summer with two high-profile additions to their squad. On Friday evening, Liverpool officially confirmed the signing of German star Florian Wirtz in a record-breaking transfer worth up to £116 million (€135m, $156m). This follows the earlier acquisition of right-back Jeremie Frimpong for a reported £30 million (€35m, $40m). These moves signal Liverpool’s intent under new head coach Arne Slot, who is determined to build on the club’s recent Premier League title triumph and maintain their competitive edge.
Slot and the Liverpool hierarchy are reportedly far from done in the transfer market, with two more significant additions planned — a central defender and a world-class striker to replace Darwin Nunez, who is understood to be surplus to requirements.
Alexander Isak: The Dream Target
Among the potential candidates to lead Liverpool’s attack, names like Victor Osimhen, Benjamin Šeško, and Hugo Ekitike have been floated. However, Newcastle’s Alexander Isak has emerged as the top priority for Slot, with Fabrizio Romano dubbing the Swede as the manager’s “dream target.” Isak’s electric performances, including four goals in seven games against Liverpool, have caught the attention of the Anfield camp.
Reports from as many as five reputable outlets earlier this week suggested Liverpool were seriously exploring the idea of launching a major bid for Isak, raising hopes among supporters of yet another record-smashing signing. However, those hopes have been swiftly tempered by fresh information from journalists close to both Liverpool and Newcastle.
The Eye-Watering Asking Price
According to The Telegraph and The i, Newcastle United have set a monumental price tag on Isak. While internally they value the forward at around £150 million (€175m, $202m), it is believed they would only entertain serious offers starting at a jaw-dropping £200 million (€234m, $269m) — a figure that would eclipse the current world transfer record.
Such an astronomical fee has led Liverpool officials to deem the deal not just difficult, but entirely “not financially viable.” The report further reveals that there has been no official contact between the clubs, not even an informal inquiry, despite the media frenzy. Sources suggest the noise surrounding Isak’s future has been greatly exaggerated, with one journalist calling the speculation “a rumour that spread like wildfire.”
Newcastle Firm in Their Stance
Newcastle United are adamant that Isak is not for sale. With three years still remaining on his current deal and Champions League football on offer at St James’ Park, the Magpies hold a strong position. Manager Eddie Howe has made it clear that he sees Isak as a cornerstone of his project.
Speaking in April, Howe said:
> “Alex is under contract, we love him to bits, and we want him to stay. We want him to keep scoring goals for Newcastle for many years. That’s my plan.”
The club’s stance is echoed behind the scenes, where insiders maintain that there is no pressure to cash in on the player. While attempts to extend Isak’s contract have not yet succeeded, there is no indication that the player wants to leave. He hasn’t submitted a transfer request, made any behind-the-scenes demands, or even hinted at dissatisfaction to teammates.
Looking Ahead
While Liverpool’s admiration for Alexander Isak is undeniable, the practical hurdles — especially the financial ones — make a deal this summer highly improbable. As one source noted, “Yes, Liverpool like him. Yes, they would love to sign him. But are they realistically expecting to get him now? Almost certainly not.”
Newcastle, for their part, remain calm. Unless Isak pushes for a move or declines to renew his contract in the near future, the Magpies have no intention of selling — especially not to a domestic rival. That said, there’s an acknowledgement that if contract talks remain unresolved, the situation could change in the next 12 months.
But for now, the message from both Anfield and St James’ Park is loud and clear: Alexander Isak is going nowhere.