Liverpool’s interest in Alexander Isak remains alive according to, but any potential move hinges on the sale of Darwin Nunez and even then, the path to landing the Newcastle United striker appears fraught with complications.
Isak has emerged as Arne Slot’s top attacking target for the rest of the summer window. The Sweden international enjoyed a breakout campaign with Newcastle last season, making 34 appearances and scoring 23 goals in the Premier League, leaving him second for the golden boot behind Liverpool’s own talisman Mohamed Salah, and led to Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher hailing Isak “the best striker in the Premier League.”
But Liverpool’s chances of prising him away from St. James’ Park remain slim unless significant developments occur.
For Liverpool, the possibility of pursuing Isak is directly tied to the future of Darwin Nunez. Earlier this week the Serie A champions tabled a formal bid for Nunez, reported to be worth €50 million plus €5 million in add-ons which was rebuffed but Napoli are expected to go back with an improved offer.
Should that move materialise with the Italian side it would free up funds and space in the squad for a marquee addition.
Newcastle are resolute in their policy though that Isak is not for sale. The club considers him a key part of their long term project with the 25-year-old expected to spearhead the Magpie’s Champions League campign. Reports suggest that even if they were to entertain offers, it would take an eye watering figure potentially upwards of £150–£200 million valuation to open discussions.
David Ornstein of The Athletic confirmed Newcastle stance on the situation on Sky Sports’ Back Pages Podcast, saying.
“The sale of Alexander Isak is not on the agenda for Newcastle. They want him to stay. They would love him to renew his contract.”
In further complications, Arne Slot may be hesitant to part ways with Nunez while the future of Luis Díaz also remains uncertain. The Colombian winger is attracting strong interest from Barcelona and Bayern Munich, with both clubs said to have been encouraged by signals from the player’s camp.
Liverpool have already been active during the summer window, shattering their transfer record to bring in German playmaker Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, while also adding Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez to the squad as they prepare to defend their Premier League crown.
Newcastle, meanwhile, have signed highly rated Spanish youngster Antonio Cordero and are close to sealing a £55 million move for Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Magpies are also exploring a deal for Hugo Ekitike — potentially a factor to any change to their stance on Isak, although there’s no indication yet that such a move would shift their resolve.
Slot is a keen admirer of Isak and views him as a perfect fit for his high intensity, fluid attacking system. The forward’s blend of athleticism, technical quality, and tactical intelligence has seen him improve season after season in the Premier League. Crucially, he also seems to have overcome early injury concerns, becoming a consistent presence for Eddie Howe’s side making a total 42 appearances in all competitions last campaign.
Ornstein continued in his assessment of the transfer’s probability:
“I’m sure if the door was open, they would look to try and walk through it. But Newcastle don’t intend to open the door. And even if they ever could be tempted to, the price would be extortionate.”
For now Liverpool wait, but if Nunez departs and Newcastle soften their stance, this story could yet evolve into one of the summer’s defining transfer sagas.
