Liverpool poised to withdraw from Isak deal as Newcastle split deepens

The Guardian and Sky Sports: Newcastle demand £150 million for Isak
Liverpool drew attention last week with an offer worth around £110 million for Alexander Isak. However, as confirmed by both The Guardian and Sky Sports, Newcastle United firmly rejected the bid. Both sources report that the club has valued the Swedish striker at around £150 million. Newcastle have shown no sign of softening their stance despite the player’s wish to leave.

The initial contact ending without result has sparked the possibility of Liverpool considering walking away from the deal. According to BBC Sport, the Anfield side now views the transfer as “unattainable.” Especially after selling Luis Díaz to Bayern Munich, the club may be drifting away from one of its main attacking targets.

The Athletic analysis: Isak has made his intentions clear since the start of summer
The striker’s exclusion from Newcastle’s Asia tour and his individual training sessions with former club Real Sociedad have been widely seen as proof he wants out. However, Newcastle’s management continue to keep the door firmly shut on a transfer.

The Athletic also highlights that Liverpool identified Isak as a top priority following the sale of Luis Díaz to Bayern Munich, hoping to fill the attacking void. But the club’s response may force Liverpool to seek alternatives.

Hugo Ekitiké factor and squad planning

Liverpool signed Hugo Ekitiké earlier in the summer, expanding their attacking depth. The Ekitiké deal was more economical and marked the arrival of a player who had once been on Newcastle’s radar. Still, according to The Athletic, head coach Arne Slot is still in search of a leading centre-forward.

Isak tensions escalate as internal split emerges at Newcastle

As Newcastle United approach a pivotal moment in the summer transfer window, the Alexander Isak situation has caused a clear rift within the club. According to the Daily Mail, some senior figures are adamant that the Swedish striker must be retained at all costs, while others believe the club should consider selling if an astronomical offer arrives. This split is already affecting Newcastle’s pre-season planning.

Earlier this month, when reports emerged via Fabrizio Romano and The Athletic that Liverpool were preparing a bid worth around £120 million, Newcastle swiftly denied the claims and stated unequivocally that Isak was not for sale. In response, Liverpool turned to Hugo Ekitiké instead. However, within weeks, the entire dynamic appears to have changed.

Initial whispers from the player’s camp have since turned into a full-blown transfer saga. According to The Athletic and Fabrizio Romano, Isak has turned down Newcastle’s latest contract proposal. The Daily Mail also reported that the striker was left out of the second leg of the club’s Asia tour, a move that only intensified speculation around his future.

Manager Eddie Howe acknowledged his absence and described the situation as “a difficult transfer window,” a comment viewed by many as a reflection of the unrest within the club.

These developments have created renewed momentum for Liverpool to revisit the situation. Newcastle are now locked in internal debate over how to respond should a formal offer arrive, with no unified stance among board members.

One of the season’s standout performers: Isak hits top gear

Alexander Isak was a dominant force for Newcastle United in the 2024/25 season, scoring 27 goals and providing 6 assists across 42 official matches. With 23 of those goals coming in the Premier League, he finished second in the Golden Boot race behind Mohamed Salah.

Isak’s playing style: definition of a modern No. 9

At just 25, Isak is among the few strikers who truly define the modern No. 9. Standing at 6 foot 3, he combines excellent ball control with agility in tight spaces and can dominate defenders one-on-one.

His composure in the box and clinical finishing make him one of the most valuable forwards in the Premier League. Beyond goals, his dribbling ability, ball retention, and positional intelligence have turned him into the focal point of Newcastle’s attacking system. Manager Eddie Howe sees him as a trusted figure and a key tactical asset. His football IQ and physical tools bring to life the very concept of the “modern No. 9.”

A move that could reshape the league hierarchy

Alexander Isak’s decision this summer could have a ripple effect beyond his personal career. Staying at Newcastle would send a powerful message regarding the club’s European ambitions, while a departure could disrupt their attacking structure entirely.

Isak has played a pivotal role in Newcastle’s rise over the past two seasons. Replacing him would be a huge ask for both the coaches and the board. His future remains one of the defining storylines of the transfer window.

Newcastle’s summer hinges on Isak

This summer, everything at Newcastle revolves around Alexander Isak. The club faces a decision that could reshape both its squad and finances. If he stays, it would be a powerful statement about their European aspirations. If he leaves, Newcastle’s internal balance, not just their squad structure, will require rethinking. This is more than a transfer story. It could mark a turning point for the Premier League.

Fits Slot’s system, but Newcastle stood firm

Arne Slot’s tactical setup at Liverpool requires a high-intensity forward capable of vertical runs, attacking the space behind the defence, and pressing off the ball. In a 4-2-3-1 system, the striker is not just a finisher but also a disruptor of defensive lines and a key transition player. Alexander Isak’s physical and technical attributes align perfectly with this profile. His pace, instinctive movement, and positional awareness in the box made him a potential ideal fit for Slot’s vision.

Newcastle’s board is preparing a new contract offer to retain their star forward. According to Fabrizio Romano and The Athletic, this plan is among the club’s top priorities. Additionally, The Times reports that Newcastle see Alexander Isak as central to their long-term sporting project and remain firmly opposed to a sale.

However, the club’s financial reality cannot be ignored. As The Athletic noted, the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) limit Newcastle’s room for manoeuvre. In other words, the club may not be in a position to outright reject astronomically high bids.

Arne Slot’s vision: “If there’s an opportunity, we never wait”

Liverpool manager Arne Slot gave the following statement to The Athletic about the club’s transfer strategy:

“I always say this: If we see an opportunity in the market, Liverpool never hesitates.”

However, under current circumstances, Isak appears to have moved beyond the category of an “opportunity.” The combination of his soaring price tag and Newcastle’s refusal to negotiate may have accelerated Liverpool’s decision to withdraw from the race.

According to BBC Sport, Liverpool may now refrain from making any further offers for Isak. While some voices within the club still believe that talks could be reopened, the focus seems to have already shifted to identifying new targets.

With Isak’s future still uncertain, attention turns to how Liverpool will reshape their attack. One thing is clear: the prospect of Alexander Isak joining Anfield this summer is now far less likely.