Newcastle United have rejected a bid from Liverpool for striker Alexander Isak.
Liverpool’s pursuit of Alexander Isak has been met with firm resistance, and Magpies insist the Swedish international is not for sale unless their £150 million valuation is met, setting the stage for a tense transfer battle with a month remaining in the window.
As sporting director Richard Hughes and the recruitment team looked to overhaul the attack for manager Arne Slot ahead of 2025-26’s Premier League title defence.
Isak, who has made clear his desire to leave St James’ Park this summer, has been training away from Newcastle after citing a thigh injury that kept him out of their pre-season tour of Asia.
Instead, the 25-year-old has been spotted using facilities at his former club Real Sociedad. Sources close to the player confirm he wants a move to Anfield and has already made his intentions known to Eddie Howe’s side.
Liverpool, fresh from sealing a British-record £116 million move for Florian Wirtz, have made the Sweden striker their top target following the sale of Luis Díaz. Arne Slot’s side are expected to return with an improved offer, confident that an eventual deal can be struck despite Newcastle’s tough stance.
Reports indicate that the Reds’ initial approach, said to be worth up to £110 million, falls well short of Newcastle’s demands. However, there is an expectation in football circles that an agreement could be reached closer to £130 million.
Liverpool are believed to have received encouragement that a transfer remains possible, with Isak prioritising a move to Merseyside over interest from Saudi clubs.
For Newcastle, losing their number 14 would be a huge blow, but the club are standing firm, insisting that no sale will take place without suitable replacements lined up.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have already spent £295 million this summer, adding Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong, Giorgi Mamardashvili, Armin Pecsi, and Freddie Woodman to their ranks.
The Reds latest move signals serious intent to bolster their attacking options before the window closes. With Isak determined to force through the transfer and Liverpool preparing a fresh bid, the coming days could prove decisive in one of the summer’s biggest sagas.
For now, Newcastle hold their ground but Liverpool’s pursuit of Isak is far from over they want him in a red shirt.
