Newcastle striker Alexander Isak remains Liverpool’s top target despite rumours that they have given up.
Claims that Liverpool are pulling out of the long-running transfer case for Alexander Isak have been dismissed as “nonsense”, with Arne Slot still deeply committed to securing the signing. Fabrizio Romano has also given a unique insight into Newcastle’s attitude to a possible sale.
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After three outstanding seasons on Tyneside, the Swedish striker has decided that the time has come to take the next step in his career and has made it clear to Newcastle that he wants to join the Premier League champions. While Champions League football was a goal for Isak, the player now has ambitions to not only win the tournament, but also to fight regularly for the biggest trophies.
As a result, Liverpool have already seen an opening offer of £110 million, with possible bonuses up to £120 million, be rejected by Newcastle, who insist that their star player is not for sale.
Journalist Ben Jacobs claimed on Friday that Liverpool could pull out of the transfer due to rising costs and Newcastle’s demand for £150 million. But as it emerged on Saturday, the Reds are far from done. Journalist Julien Laurens claims that Isak is just waiting for the transfer to go through, and also revealed that the 25-year-old has had secret talks with Liverpool manager Arne Slot.
Liverpool’s transfer hopes may depend on Newcastle’s ability to provide a replacement. With Benjamin Šeško as a possible candidate for Newcastle, Slot and his team are hoping for good news in a matter of days.
Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie is also convinced that Isak will end up at Anfield this summer and gave an insight into the bidding war strategy:
“This is just play and tactics”
– Alexander Isak will face Eddie Howe when they return, probably on Tuesday, Downie said on his YouTube channel.
“All this nonsense about ‘Liverpool have made their last offer’ – they haven’t made their last offer. There are four weeks left in the window, they have bid far below what Newcastle want. Of course, they will come back.
“I know it’s the briefing, but this all feels like games and tactics at the moment.
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Romano: “Liverpool are playing on time”
Fabrizio Romano also believes that Liverpool are willing to wait, despite Newcastle’s clear rejection:
“Liverpool made their first official bid after informal discussions over two weeks ago,” Romano said. They didn’t say “this is the price” or “let’s negotiate again”. They just said no.
“But Liverpool know that this is part of the game. There is still time left before the window closes. The only way this transfer can happen is if Newcastle find a top striker to replace them.
“Liverpool wanted to show Isak that they are serious. They sent a clear signal: “We are here, we are ready, we have the money.” Newcastle said no, but Isak is sticking to his wish.
The Daily Mail’s Craig Hope confirms that Newcastle expect a “significantly improved offer” from Liverpool in the near future.
New negotiations next week – next bid approaching £150 million
On Saturday, it emerged that Liverpool and Newcastle have planned new negotiations early next week. Liverpool’s next bid is expected to be between £120-130 million, bringing them closer to Newcastle’s £150 million valuation.
Sources confirmed to TEAMtalk that Liverpool are willing to pay £150 million to secure the deal.
Liverpool transfers: Núñez sale closer; three young defenders on the radar
At the same time, the bidding round for Isak could be affected by a sale at Anfield. Darwin Núñez is a concrete target for Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, and according to journalist David Ornstein, they will “accelerate” the hunt soon with increasing optimism for a deal.
A sale of Núñez could be one of four major transfers out of Liverpool in the coming weeks.
In addition to considering an “opportunistic” purchase of Marc Guéhi from Crystal Palace, sporting director Richard Hughes is considering three other young centre-backs after an extensive scouting process.
Finally, it is also reported that Liverpool are ready to make a bid for a €90 million striker – with indications that the Brazilian player has already “agreed to informal personal terms”.
