Newcastle United have rejected a blockbuster opening bid from Liverpool for star striker Alexander Isak.
The Athletic’s David Ornstein reported on Friday afternoon (August 1) that Liverpool had approached the Magpies with a formal offer in excess of £100 million.
There is no exact confirmation of Liverpool’s opening bid, but reports indicate that it is worth £110m plus add-ons.
As reported by Ornstein on X, the Reds’ offer was swiftly rejected by Newcastle, with the Magpies holding out for their valuation of around £150 million for Isak.
The Sweden international has been left out of Newcastle’s squad for their preseason tour of Asia and is currently training at his former club Real Sociedad’s facilities in Bilbao while recovering from what the club has called a minor thigh injury.
However, his absence has only fuelled speculation about a potential exit, with the striker reportedly keen on a move away from St. James’ Park.
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The Magpies are understood to have approached Isak over a new contract including a release clause for the summer of 2026, as they would be desperate to keep the striker for the upcoming season, having qualified once again for the Champions League.
Isak joined Newcastle from Real Sociedad in 2022 for a fee of roughly £60 million and enjoyed a prolific 24-25 season, scoring 27 goals in 42 matches in all competitions.
Liverpool first registered interest in signing Isak in July, as reported by BBC Sport, but only moved to formal negotiations this week.
Despite Liverpool’s heavy interest, Newcastle insist that Isak is not for sale this summer, though a transfer still remains the likeliest outcome, with Arne Slot reportedly very keen to add the Swede to his impeccable attacking arsenal.
There have already been a number of incomings to Slot’s squad as Liverpool have embarked on an uncharacteristic but impressive spending spree this summer.
They have already secured the services of Giorgi Mamardashvili, Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, Hugo Ekitike, and Armin Pecsi for a combined total in excess of £265 million.
It remains to be seen whether Liverpool will return with an improved offer, but for now, Newcastle’s message seems clear: Alexander Isak is not available – at least not at that price.
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