Alexander Isak Turned Down Improved Newcastle United Contract Amid Liverpool Transfer Rumors

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Marcelo Cartaxo | Last updated Jul 24, 2025 11:47 AM ET

Alexander Isak is now one of the most sought-after players of the summer. While Newcastle is eager to keep their star striker, both Liverpool and Al Hilal are ready to break transfer records to sign him. The situation escalated this week when Isak turned down a contract extension from Newcastle—one that included a significant pay raise—and formally requested to leave the club.

At first, Liverpool appeared to be the only realistic destination. The club is searching for a reliable striker to lead the line alongside Hugo Ekitike, Cody Gakpo, and Mohamed Salah. Liverpool is preparing to move on from both Darwin Núñez and Luis Díaz—Bayern Munich has already submitted a €75 million ($88 million) proposal for Díaz.

According to journalist Martin Hardy, Isak rejected an upgraded contract offer worth £200,000 ($270,000) per week. The Swedish forward reportedly wanted something closer to £300,000 ($406,000), but offering that much would risk breaching Premier League PSR (Profit and Sustainability Rules) and could disrupt the harmony inside the dressing room.

| @mhardysport: Alexander Isak turned down a new contract offer from Newcastle, who were prepared to go to about £200k per week.

The striker wanted closer to £300k but any higher would create problems with PSR rules as well as creating dressing-room disharmony.
— Anfield Edition | æ (@AnfieldEdition) July 24, 2025

Liverpool has never spent this aggressively in a single transfer window. Their £116 million ($157 million) signing of Florian Wirtz already smashed club records. They also invested £69 million ($93 million) in Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt. If the Isak deal goes through, it would become the club’s most expensive signing ever.

While it’s still unclear if Liverpool will meet Isak’s salary demands, the club is willing to outspend their Wirtz deal to land him. Talks between player and club are expected to progress simultaneously with negotiations between clubs.

Al Hilal Also in the Race to Sign Isak - or Nunez

There’s another contender in the race: Al Hilal. The Saudi club is fully capable of matching Isak’s financial demands. However, there’s a twist. Al Hilal is also interested in Darwin Núñez. If Liverpool manages to sell Núñez this summer, the incoming fee could help fund the Isak transfer. If not, Liverpool may need to rely on a future sale or staggered payment structure to balance their finances.

Liverpool is making bold moves this summer—not just to defend their Premier League title, but to mount a serious Champions League campaign. With an experienced new defense, a midfield stacked with top-tier European talent, and a reimagined front line, the Reds are aiming for every trophy in 2025.