Could Liverpool Already Lose Alexander Isak to Barcelona?

Before we start printing “Isak 9” Barcelona jerseys, let’s look at the reality on the ground. The Swedish striker’s move from Newcastle was anything but smooth. A protracted transfer saga saw him sidelined by Eddie Howe, meaning he missed out on a proper pre-season. As any fan knows, that’s a recipe for a slow start.

Isak is still very much in the process of adapting to life under Arne Slot‘s system. He’s made a handful of appearances, clocking in just one league assist and a goal in the Carabao Cup. While promising, it’s hardly the stuff of a fully integrated superstar just yet. He’s still finding his rhythm, his fitness, and probably his way around the city without a GPS. The idea that he’s already packing his bags for sunny Spain feels a bit like planning the wedding on the first date. It’s just premature.

The Barcelona Situation: More Debt Than Trophies?

Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: Barcelona’s finances. Or lack thereof. The Catalan club’s financial woes are the worst-kept secret in football. Reports indicate they are drowning in debt, still owing massive sums for players they signed years ago. They reportedly still owe money for Jules Koundé, a whopping €40 million to Leeds for Raphinha, and—get this—they’re still paying off the transfer fee for Lewandowski himself.

Their entire financial model seems to be based on best-case scenarios and pulling economic levers that sound more like something from a sci-fi movie. So, the idea that they could casually splash the cash for a player Liverpool just paid a British record fee for seems… ambitious, to put it mildly. Mendieta himself acknowledged that Liverpool is “stronger financially.” That might be the understatement of the century. Barcelona’s president, Joan Laporta, might have “obsessions” with signing players like Erling Haaland, but obsession doesn’t pay the bills.

Lewandowski’s Departure and the So-Called Replacements

The catalyst for this whole Isak rumor is the impending departure of Robert Lewandowski. At 37, the Polish goal machine is still firing on all cylinders, but his massive contract is a heavy burden for a club counting its pennies. It’s widely expected that Barcelona will not offer him a new deal when his current one expires next summer, making him a free agent.

This leaves a huge void to fill. While Isak is a fantastic player with La Liga experience, he’s not the only name on the hypothetical list. The dream target for Laporta is apparently Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, a player tied to a long-term contract worth a king’s ransom. Then there’s Julián Álvarez, another World Cup winner shining at Atlético Madrid. These are top-tier strikers who would command top-tier fees. Isak is certainly in that bracket, but a move for him would require Barcelona to find a treasure chest they probably don’t have.

Don’t Believe the Hype Just Yet

So, should Liverpool fans be worried? In short, probably not. This feels like classic transfer speculation designed to fill column inches during an international break. Isak is a world-class talent, and it’s natural for big clubs to be interested. But he’s also a new, record-breaking signing for a club that’s financially stable and building for the future.

He needs time to settle, to show the Premier League what he’s truly made of, and to help Sweden in their frankly disastrous World Cup qualifying campaign. The last thing on his mind is likely another transfer saga. For now, Liverpool fans can relax. Let the rumors fly. Isak is a Red, and until Barcelona finds a magical money tree, that’s likely how it’s going to stay.