Newcastle United have rejected Liverpool’s opening offer to sign Swedish striker Alexander Isak, amid growing speculation over the 25-year-old’s future at St James’ Park.
According to reports on Friday, Liverpool submitted a bid worth £110 million ($159 million) plus potential add-ons for Isak, who has been linked with the Premier League champions since the end of last season. However, Newcastle — determined to keep hold of one of their star players — turned down the offer, valuing the forward at around £150 million.
Isak has reportedly told Newcastle that he wants to leave the club this summer and has been training at his former side Real Sociedad’s Zubieta facility in Spain. The Magpies said his absence from their pre-season tour of Asia was due to a minor thigh injury, but the striker’s activities in Spain have fueled speculation of an imminent exit.
The Sweden international joined Newcastle from Real Sociedad in 2022 for a club-record £60 million. He scored 23 Premier League goals last season, playing a crucial role in helping the Magpies qualify for the Champions League.
Despite having three years left on his current contract, sources suggest Isak rejected a proposed new deal from Newcastle that would have included a release clause effective next year, reiterating his desire to leave immediately.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot is keen to further strengthen his attack, having already signed striker Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt and playmaker Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen. The Reds have spent over £250 million this summer, also bringing in Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong, and goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe appeared defiant earlier this week, saying: “He is still our player. He’s contracted to us. We, to a degree, control what is next for him. My wish is that he stays, but that’s not in my full control.”
Liverpool are expected to return with an improved bid as they aim to retain the Premier League title and build a squad capable of achieving back-to-back championships for the first time since the 1980s.
Written By Rodney Mbua
