Alexander Isak, the 25-year-old of Newcastle United, is the latest player to become the object of transfer speculation. Now Liverpool is increasing its efforts to sign him. Isak was signed by Newcastle for £60 million ($80 million) from Real Sociedad in 2022. He’s still got three years remaining on his deal with the team. His recent failure to travel with Newcastle on their preseason tour of Asia has only added to speculation around his future.
Isak missed the team’s travel itinerary due to a late, minor thigh injury. That has to make you worried about his availability for the start of the regular season. Even as he begins to recover, he has, according to Spanish reports, been training at his old club of Real Sociedad. This development has resulted in a more intense focus on whether he’s truly committed to Newcastle and not planning moves to other clubs.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has been proactive in his efforts to bolster his squad. He has brought in Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike and Bayer Leverkusen playmaker Florian Wirtz. The club has tabled a formal bid of about £110 million ($146 million) with add-ons for Isak. Still, Newcastle has rejected this first offer, saying that they want £150 million ($199 million) for their striker.
Newcastle’s management is keen to retain Isak, with Eddie Howe emphasizing, “He is still our player. He’s contracted to us.” Slot acknowledged that Liverpool has the leverage in a number of negotiation points. He was unsure about Isak’s future. “My wish is that he stays, but that’s not in my full control,” Slot stated.
Indeed, Isak has made no secret of his wish to depart St James’ Park. Newcastle are running scared of losing him and have offered him a new deal, with a get-out clause included for next summer. The young striker was the talk of last season, finishing with 23 Premier League goals. His phenomenal displays justifying Newcastle returning to the Champions League only made him a more attractive proposition towards other clubs.
With the transfer window continuing on in its active state, Isak’s situation is very fluid. And finally, Liverpool will be keen to put the finishing touches on their squad before the new season starts. They may return with an increased bid to secure the dynamic frontman.