JUST IN: Liverpool top offer for Isak revealed as four factors thwarting Newcastle transfer
Liverpool Set to Miss Out on Alexander Isak as Newcastle Hold Firm on Striker’s Valuation
Liverpool’s hopes of landing Swedish striker Alexander Isak appear to be fading, with Newcastle United standing firm on their valuation of the player. Despite Liverpool’s interest intensifying in recent weeks, it seems the Merseyside club may not be willing to meet Newcastle’s hefty price tag—believed to be in the region of £150 million.
Isak is currently training away from the rest of the Newcastle squad, opting to work on his fitness back in the Basque Country with former club Real Sociedad. While officially recovering from what the club described as a “minor thigh injury,” the timing has raised eyebrows, particularly in light of ongoing transfer speculation. According to Sky Sports’ Keith Downie, Isak’s temporary return to Spain is as much about distancing himself from the media storm as it is about rehabilitation.
Downie explained:
> “Isak is training in the Basque region with his own personal trainers and physios, something Newcastle are aware of and have sanctioned. Eddie Howe has previously confirmed the club is comfortable with Isak using his own support staff during recovery periods. The optics, however, do not sit well with Newcastle fans, especially given the swirling rumours linking him with a move to Anfield.”
The Swedish international is expected to rejoin his Newcastle teammates next week when the squad returns from their pre-season tour of South Korea. But there is a growing sense that discussions between Isak, head coach Eddie Howe, and the club’s hierarchy will be pivotal in determining whether he stays or departs before the window closes.
Isak’s desire to explore new opportunities this summer reportedly followed an informal approach from Liverpool more than two weeks ago. Although no formal offer has yet been tabled, sources close to the situation suggest Liverpool are preparing a proposal in the region of £130 million, including bonuses.
However, that figure is unlikely to sway Newcastle’s owners, particularly given the involvement of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), which holds a majority stake in the club. PIF are reportedly opposed to selling Isak this summer unless their full £150 million valuation is met—a stance made more rigid by the lack of an identified replacement.
Newcastle are said to be eyeing RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Šeško as a potential successor to Isak, but no deal has been struck, and the Magpies are reluctant to greenlight Isak’s exit without having a suitable replacement lined up. The ongoing absence of a sporting director at Newcastle has also complicated internal decision-making, with key calls now falling to PIF executives.
Former footballer and respected journalist Jan Aage Fjørtoft provided an update via social media, stating:
> “Understand Liverpool could be willing to pay £120m plus £10m in add-ons. Newcastle don’t want to sell the player, but if they are forced to do business, they want a minimum of £150m.”
Fjørtoft also emphasized several obstacles that make the deal increasingly difficult: a significant gap in valuation, the absence of a replacement at St. James’ Park, and the lack of a clear transfer decision-maker, with PIF ultimately calling the shots. Moreover, time is not on Liverpool’s side, with both clubs needing clarity as they finalize their squads ahead of the new Premier League season.
In the meantime, it’s a waiting game. Liverpool’s interest remains strong, but unless they return with a more convincing offer—and fast—the Reds may have to turn their attention to alternative targets. Newcastle, for their part, are determined not to be bullied into selling one of their most prized assets, particularly to a direct rival.