Liverpool Makes Initial Contact With Alexander Isak For £120 Million

Liverpool has taken the first big step in their pursuit of Alexander Isak by opening talks with Newcastle United over a potential £120 million deal. While no official bid has been made yet, Anfield officials have made it clear that they’re serious about bringing the Swedish forward to Merseyside.

Isak has quickly become one of the Premier League’s best players and most lethal forwards, along with the likes of Haaland. He has been on Liverpool’s radar for quite some time. The 25-year-old has netted 54 goals in just 86 league appearances since arriving from Real Sociedad in 2022. A record that puts him among the top finishers in the English top flight. His £63 million move back then already raised concerns, but what he’s done since has been amazing. The Reds seem prepared to make him the most expensive player in English football history.

Liverpool Signals Intent As Transfer Window Heats Up

It is understood that Liverpool’s approach wasn’t random. Club sources say the decision to reach out to Newcastle was calculated, especially as Liverpool prepare to defend their crown next season. The new Premier League campaign is just weeks away, and Liverpool is keen to ensure their squad is strong and capable of defending its recently won title.

Newcastle, for their part, are not rolling over. Despite facing Financial Fair Play pressure and an ambitious squad rebuild of their own, they’ve made it known that Isak is not for sale. Their rejection of a £69.5 million offer for Hugo Ekitiké from Eintracht Frankfurt shows they’re shopping for attacking reinforcements to support, not replace, their star Swedish.

Liverpool isn’t giving up that easily. Behind the scenes, they believe that while Isak hasn’t actively pushed for a move, he would be open to joining the Premier League champions. The allure of Champions League nights at Anfield, which he has at his current club, title ambitions, and the chance to work under a new manager with fresh ideas could be tempting.

If Newcastle is tempted by Liverpool’s offer, reportedly £30 million short of their internal £150 million valuation, the funds could help buy Ekitiké or other top-tier targets.

A Domino Effect At Anfield?

Liverpool’s ambitious move for Isak comes at a time of major movement at the club. They recently rejected a £58.6 million bid from Bayern Munich for Luis Díaz and are trying to ramp up interest in Darwin Núñez. They hope to trigger a high-priced tug-of-war between AC Milan and Saudi Pro League side Al Hila after the Napoli deal collapses. 

Liverpool is looking for a forward who can offer goals, presence, and reliability all in one package. In Isak, they see a player who ticks all those boxes and more. Interestingly, Liverpool is also reportedly prepared to hijack Newcastle’s Ekitiké move if their pursuit of Isak doesn’t materialise. That suggests this isn’t a one-player strategy; it’s part of a wider offensive to reshape the frontline in a post-Jota, potentially post-Díaz era.

Of course, all of this comes in the shadow of tragedy. The Liverpool players and staff are still mourning the heartbreaking loss of Diogo Jota, who passed away in a car crash earlier this month. While emotions are still raw, the reality of football and life moves on, and the club is determined to build a squad that honours Jota’s memory by continuing to compete at the very highest level.

Final Thoughts 

For now, Newcastle is holding firm. They view Isak as a main part of their project, and Eddie Howe has already expressed his desire to build around the Swedish international rather than cash in. That being said, every player has a price, and £120 million, while below their asking number, is a serious figure that demands consideration.

If Liverpool formalizes its interest with a structured offer, it could open the door for negotiations. Should Isak signal a willingness to leave, it may be hard for Newcastle to justify holding onto him, especially if those funds could be reinvested into a deeper, Champions League-ready squad. Could Liverpool break the British transfer record twice in the same window? Yet to be seen.