Liverpool have stepped up their pursuit of Alexander Isak, having approached Newcastle United to discuss a potential transfer that will break the British transfer record.
The Sweden international has been identified as Arne Slot’s dream attacking target as the Reds seek to bolster their title-winning squad ahead of the renewed push for domestic and European honours this season.
Liverpool’s admiration for Isak has never been secret. The 25-year-old is coming off his most prolific season in English football, registering 27 goals in 42 appearances across all competitions. Since arriving from Real Sociedad in 2022, he has scored 62 goals in 109 games for the Newcastle.
With three years remaining on his current deal, Newcastle are insistent that is not for sale, but Liverpool are monitoring developments closely and have now made an approach for the forward, as reported by The Athletic’s David Ornstein.
? Liverpool make approach to sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle United. #LFC say no formal bid + well aware #NUFC stance has always been: not for sale. But communicated interest in deal for 25yo Sweden international worth in region of £120m @TheAthleticFChttps://t.co/qffFlyq9w3
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) July 15, 2025
The Magpies themselves are in advanced negotiations with Eintracht Frankfurt over the signing of Hugo Ekitike, with a deal worth up to €80 million (£69.5 million) nearing completion. French journalist Julien Laurens reports that the player’s agent have met to finalise terms.
That move has not gone unnoticed at Anfield. Sources indicate Liverpool are interpreting Newcastle’s aggressive move for Ekitike as a potential softening of their stance on Isak, who would require a club-record fee to depart. The Reds have already broken their transfer record this summer with the £116 million signing of Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen — a fee they are now prepared to eclipse according to Ben Jacobs.
Internal discussions around the number nine position have been ongoing within the walls of Anfield, with Slot prioritising a technically gifted, Premier League-proven striker. While Darwin Núñez remains part of the squad, his future is uncertain amid interest from Napoli and Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal.
Newcastle’s financial position could become a key factor. The club narrowly avoided a points deduction under the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) last season and were forced in to the late window sales, including Yankuba Minteh and Elliott Anderson. Anthony Gordon was also considered for sale to Liverpool before a deal collapsed.
While no formal bid has been submitted for Isak yet, Liverpool’s intent is clear. The Swede’s pace, movement, and elite finishing have placed him firmly at the top of Arne Slot and Richard Hughe’s shortlist as they look to sustain the momentum from last season’s title-winning campaign.
Slot ambition is to not only retain the Premier League, but also mount a serious challenge in the Champions League. Meanwhile, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is building a squad to return to Europe’s elite competition and views Ekitike, recent additions Anthony Elanga and Antonito Cordero, and — most importantly — Alexander Isak as crucial to that vision.
For now, Liverpool continue to monitor Newcastle’s Ekitike pursuit with interest. Whether that urgency, combined with Newcastle’s own balancing act, proves enough to prise Isak away from St James Park remains to be seen, but one thing for sure this transfer battle is far from over.
