Liverpool have been handed a significant boost in their pursuit of Alexander Isak, with the Sweden international indicating a desire to leave Newcastle United amid interest from the Premier League champions.
Isak, 25, has communicated to Newcastle’s hierarchy that he is open to departing St James’ Park this summer. While the club remain publicly adamant that he is not for sale, those close to the situation believe there is a growing openness from both from the player and his camp to pursue a high-profile move, with Liverpool now on alert to act.
The striker has been left out of Newcastle’s pre-season tour of Singapore and South Korea with the club stating he is nursing a minor thigh injury. However, sources suggest that his omission comes at a time of increasing uncertainty around his future, with off-field conversations gathering pace over the past fortnight.
Liverpool, who have already made headlines with their £79 million signing of Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt, are understood to still be monitoring Isak’s situation closely and are front runners for his signature.
The club views the former Real Sociedad forward as a potential centrepiece for a rebuilt attacking line under Arne Slot, who sees Isak’s profile — technically gifted, quick, intelligent movement, and capable of playing across the front line — as a natural fit for his preferred system.
Isak signed for Newcastle in the summer of 2022 for a club-record £63 million and has since scored 38 goals in 67 appearances, including 27 in 42 games last season. His form, particularly during the second half of the 2023–24 campaign, has seen him become one of the most coveted forwards in Europe.
Still under contract until 2028 and with no release clause, Newcastle have made it clear they do not need to sell, particularly given the current state of their finances under the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
Should Liverpool follow through with a formal bid, it would likely need to be in the region of £150 million to seriously test Newcastle’s resolve. While such a fee may appear steep, Liverpool are believed to be prepared to break their transfer record for the second time this summer.
But, there are other options for the Sweden forward. The Saudi Pro League is said to have registered interest in Isak, with Al Hilal exploring the possibility of a move earlier this summer. However, no concrete talks have taken place, and the player is believed to favour staying in Europe, with Liverpool now firmly at the front of the queue.
Fabrizio Romano, reporting earlier this week, noted that Liverpool had made direct contact with Isak’s representatives 10 days ago and confirmed that the striker remains a live target despite the arrival of Ekitike.
?? Understand Alexander Isak remains a target for Liverpool even after signing Ekitike… but depends on Newcastle.
If Newcastle open doors to an exit and #LFC sell Diaz, they can bid after direct contact made 10 days ago.
Isak, ??? in concrete talks with Al Hilal so far. pic.twitter.com/jNS7XEp3sI
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 24, 2025
For now, Newcastle remain firm, Isak is not officially on the market and there is no indication that formal negotiations have begun between the clubs. But with the player’s camp actively engaged in the background and Liverpool watching closely, the coming weeks could be decisive.
Isak has done his part and the ball is now in Liverpool’s court.
