There has been a flurry of activity surrounding the departure of Newcastle United forward Alexander Isak. Rumours are rife that Liverpool and Arsenal are strongly interested and a battle is expected to develop this summer.
And The Athletic’s David Ornstein has revealed that the rumours are true. The only player on Liverpool’s list that the reporter has heard of is the Swedish striker, who he said would be a major talking point in this summer’s transfer window.
“They will obviously have multiple options on their radar but the only name I’ve personally heard of so far – which others have already reported – is Alexander Isak.”
“Liverpool aren’t alone in liking the Swede – we know Mikel Arteta wants to sign him, Chelsea and Barcelona have been also been linked and I’m sure many other sides would be keen, too, if the opportunity arose.”
“But that’s a big ‘if’. Newcastle have no intention of selling their best player and, understandably, don’t welcome this kind of conversation. Isak has more than three years left on his existing contract, he is very well paid and there’s no financial requirement for the St James’s Park hierarchy to cash in.”
“Now, every player has their price and while I’m not aware of Newcastle specifically setting one for Isak, the number that seems to circulate around the industry is something like £150m.”
“Perhaps if teams are prepared to make such eye-watering offers there’s a conversation to be had. But Newcastle hold the aces here and their plan will be to build with, rather than without, him.”
“Liverpool are only going to consider making a move if Isak is genuinely available; they’re not the type of club to engage in a wild goose chase. But I do think (sorry to say this, Newcastle fans) his future will be one of the big talking points heading into and during the summer transfer window.”
Q&A for The Athletic
The 25-year-old striker has scored 22 goals and provided five assists in 31 games this season through the Premier League, Carabao Cup and FA Cup.
He is naturally destructive in front of goal, but also combines well with wingers and midfielders, making him a perfect fit for the kind of football Arne Slott’s side are looking to play.
However, the transfer fee will be steep. Liverpool will not pay the amount currently expected, and a trip to Anfield is unlikely, but will a future come in which he overturns the primaries and moves to Liverpool…?