As Liverpool navigate a pivotal phase in their attacking rebuild, reports suggest the club are preparing a potential £120 million (R2.9 billion) offer for Newcastle United’s prolific striker, Alexander Isak. While no formal proposal has yet been submitted, the Swedish international has reportedly surged to the top of new manager Arne Slot’s shortlist, as the Reds weigh their options in the forward department.
Isak, who joined Newcastle from Real Sociedad for £63 million in 2022, has swiftly established himself as one of the most effective attackers in the Premier League. Last season, he found the net 23 times in league competition, playing an instrumental role in guiding the Magpies back to the UEFA Champions League for the second time in three years.
“He scored 23 Premier League goals last season to fire the club into the Champions League for the second time in three years.”
The 25-year-old also left a mark on English football folklore by scoring in the League Cup final at Wembley—an emphatic win over Liverpool—bringing an end to Newcastle’s seven-decade drought without a major domestic trophy.
“Isak also scored in Newcastle’s League Cup final victory over Liverpool at Wembley, which ended the Magpies’ 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy.”
Despite Liverpool’s apparent interest, Newcastle remain firm in their intent to retain their star forward. Isak is not believed to be pushing for a move, and with three years left on his current contract, Newcastle are reportedly exploring terms for an extension to further secure his services.
The club’s Saudi Arabian majority owners, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), are understood to have both the desire and the financial wherewithal to rebuff any advances. It has been reported that Newcastle have set a valuation of around £150 million for Isak—an amount designed to discourage any formal bids from suitors, including Liverpool and Arsenal.
“They have reportedly put a value of around £150m on Isak in an attempt to ward off potential suitors, with Arsenal also reportedly contemplating an offer.”
Isak is currently attending a pre-season training camp with Newcastle in Austria, indicating his focus remains firmly on the upcoming campaign. Nonetheless, Liverpool’s long-term interest could test the Magpies’ resolve, particularly as they prepare for a season with heightened ambitions and broader European commitments.
“The 25-year-old, who is currently at a pre-season training camp in Austria, still has three years remaining on his contract and Newcastle are understood to be trying to tie him to a new deal.”
The pursuit of Isak comes as Anfield faces potential changes up front. Although no official confirmations have been made, speculation around the futures of Darwin Núñez and Federico Chiesa has intensified, with both players reportedly linked with moves away from Merseyside.
“Darwin Nunez and Federico Chiesa have also been linked with moves away from Anfield, which would increase their need to bring in a new striker.”
Liverpool’s search for a forward is not limited to Isak. The club have reportedly explored multiple options, including Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, who is rated at £70 million. Ekitike is also of interest to Newcastle, suggesting possible competition on two fronts.
“Liverpool have been linked with Eintracht Frankfurt’s £70m-rated forward Hugo Ekitike, who has also attracted attention from Newcastle.”
Other names under discussion have included Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen. While Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford was also briefly considered, internal doubts about his recent form appear to have stalled any momentum on that front.
“The Reds have also considered Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, Brentford’s Yoane Wissa and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen. Interestingly, Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford was briefly discussed, though no progress was made due to doubts about his form.”
Liverpool have yet to confirm whether they will act on their reported interest in Isak. However, given the scale of investment under consideration, any forthcoming move would not only mark one of the club’s largest transfer dealings but also signal a defining moment in their post-Jürgen Klopp rebuild under Arne Slot.
As things stand, Newcastle appear confident in their ability to retain their talisman. But with Premier League rivals circling and transfer windows often proving unpredictable, the next few weeks could prove decisive in determining whether Alexander Isak remains on Tyneside or begins a new chapter at Anfield.
