Newcastle United have turned down an opening offer from Liverpool for Swedish striker Alexander Isak, as the Magpies stand firm on their £150 million valuation of the player.
Transfer experts Fabrizio Romano suggest that Liverpool’s initial bid was worth around £120 million package plus add-ons, but Newcastle remain adamant that the 25-year-old is not for sale this summer citing inability to find a replacement at this point in time.
The bid comes amid growing uncertainty around Isak’s future, with the striker currently training alone at former club Real Sociedad, having been left out of Newcastle’s pre-season tour of Asia.
Despite securing Champions League qualification, Isak is understood to be open to a move away from St. James’ Park, a stance that has encouraged Liverpool to make their interest concrete.
Isak joined Newcastle from Real Sociedad in 2022 for a club-record £60 million, and has since developed into one of the Premier League’s most lethal forwards. He finished the 2024/25 season as Newcastle’s top scorer with 27 goals in 42 appearances.
Liverpool’s Pursuit Continues Despite Ekitike Arrival
The bid for Isak arrives just days after Liverpool completed a £69 million move for Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt. Despite this addition, manager Arne Slot is reportedly pushing to bolster his attacking options further, viewing Isak as a key target to lead the line in the club’s title defense.
Liverpool have been one of the busiest clubs in the transfer window so far, having spent around £265 million on new signings including Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong, Giorgi Mamardashvili, and Armin Pecsi.
To balance the books, they have sanctioned the sales of Luis Diaz, Jarell Quansah, Caoimhin Kelleher, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, generating an initial £115 million.
Timeline of the Isak Transfer Saga
25 May 2025: Isak finishes as Newcastle’s top scorer with 27 goals in 42 games. 19 July: Eddie Howe insists Isak will be part of the club’s pre-season tour, despite missing a friendly against Celtic with a thigh issue. 23 July: Liverpool complete the £69m signing of Hugo Ekitike. 24 July: Isak is omitted from Newcastle’s tour squad, citing a “minor thigh injury”; later expresses interest in a move. 28 July: Sources confirm Liverpool remain interested in Isak despite Ekitike’s arrival. 29 July: Howe states Newcastle have received no formal offers for the striker. 31 July: Isak trains alone at Real Sociedad’s facilities. 1st August: Newcastle reject Liverpool’s opening bid.
What’s Next?
It remains to be seen whether Liverpool will return with an improved offer, but Newcastle’s stance is clear: Isak is a prized asset and not on the market unless a bid comes close to their £150 million valuation.
With the new season fast approaching, both clubs will be closely watched as the saga continues to unfold.