Despite snatching Hugo Ekitike for a huge transfer fee in the 2025 summer transfer window, Liverpool have not stopped searching for attacking talent as their frontline overhaul continues.
The Reds sold Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich, while Darwin Nunez has finalised a move to the Saudi Pro League. Thus, a further injection of talent is necessary up front, especially with 33-year-old Mohamed Salah potentially in his last season with the club.
Hoping to make yet another splash, the Reds have set their sights on Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, who bagged 23 goals last season in the Premier League. Isak has become unsettled by the latest developments as he reportedly aims to force a transfer by requesting to be sold, which has only angered Newcastle brass.
The Sporting News has the latest on the situation, which continues to develop on a daily basis.
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Alexander Isak to Liverpool latest news, rumours
The Isak saga is now being played out in public following a statement by the striker and a defiant response from Newcastle on August 19, which seemed to have created an impasse. However, we may be seeing some movement late in the window.
It was reported on August 28 that Newcastle had struck a deal potentially worth £65 million to sign Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart. If they conclude what would be a club-record signing, that could pave the way for Liverpool to bid for Isak once more.
This had looked unlikely after Isak posted on social media 10 days earlier to hit out at those who, in his words, want to "push their own version of events, even though they know it doesn't reflect what was really said and agreed behind closed doors".
He added: "The reality is that promises were made and the club has known my position for a long time. To now act as if these issues are only emerging is misleading.
"When promises are broken and trust is lost, the relationship can't continue. That's where things are for me right now — and why change is in the best interests of everyone, not just myself."
Newcastle were quick to respond. The club posted a statement saying: "We are clear in response that Alex remains under contract and that no commitment has ever been made by a club official that Alex can leave Newcastle United this summer.
"We want to keep our best players, but we also understand players have their own wishes and we listen to their views. As explained to Alex and his representatives, we must always take into consideration the best interests of Newcastle United, the team and our supporters in all decisions and we have been clear that the conditions of a sale this summer have not transpired.
"We do not foresee those conditions being met. This is a proud football club with proud traditions and we strive to retain our family feel. Alex remains part of our family and will be welcomed back when he is ready to rejoin his teammates."
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What did Liverpool bid for Alexander Isak?
Liverpool's first offer in early August, worth around £110m ($148m / €127m), was knocked back swiftly by the Magpies. At the time, Luke Edwards of The Telegraph stated that Newcastle value Isak at £150m ($201.7m / €173.2m) and anything less will be brushed aside. The club was frustrated by Liverpool's first bid, believing it was an effort to tap up the player rather than a serious offer, since it was nowhere close to their valuation.
Isak has effectively been forced to train alone and been kept out of Eddie Howe's matchday plans while the situation continues. He did not feature in the 0-0 draw at Aston Villa on August 16, or against his suitors Liverpool nine days later.
Prior to that match, a report by the Daily Mail suggested there may be a way forward for the two parties, as Newcastle ownership visited Isak to initiate "a step in the right direction." However, the following day, Fabrizio Romano insisted that Isak "maintains clear stance since July: he wants Liverpool move, no changes after recent talks."
The arrival of Woltemade could be a sign that Newcastle are prepared to sanction a sale, although Howe had previously said they needed a new striker anyway to fill the gap left by Callum Wilson's departure.
What has Eddie Howe said about Isak and Liverpool?
During preseason, Howe admitted it was "clear at the moment that we can't involve him with the group" as the Isak situation continued. He also denied having conversations with the player a year ago in which Isak made it clear he wanted to leave before the start of the 2025/26 season.
Speaking after the draw with Villa, Howe insisted "the door is well and truly open" for Isak to return to the group and play for the team again — but only if he took steps towards reconciliation himself.
"He has to decide what he wants to do. We would like a resolution. We need that clarity. You don't need any kind of distraction," Howe said. "I am not in control of that. There is one person who can control that. Let's wait and see. I have made my stance clear. I am concentrating on the team."
Lately, Howe has changed his stance to allow more room for a return to Newcastle.
"The ideal from Newcastle’s side is we want clarity, we want to move forward. We want the narrative to change," Howe said after the gut-wrenching defeat to Liverpool at St. James' Park on August 25.