Alexander Isak: Why Liverpool is ready to pay £120 million for Newcastle player, and what’s next for the Reds

Liverpool have stepped up their chase for Newcastle United’s star striker Alexander Isak, signalling their willingness to pay as much as £120 million for the Sweden international. While no formal bid has been submitted yet, the club has made its interest clear—marking a significant moment in the summer transfer window.

Liverpool zero in on their No. 9 priority

Isak has always been at the top of Liverpool’s shortlist for the centre-forward role. After weeks of market scanning and internal strategy, the Reds now believe it’s the right time to move. Newcastle’s ongoing negotiations with Frankfurt for Hugo Ekitike appear to have opened a window, and Liverpool are looking to jump in.

Transfer insiders Fabrizio Romano and David Ornstein both reported Liverpool’s approach on Tuesday afternoon, underlining the seriousness of the move. Though no official offer has been made, the Reds have told Newcastle they are ready to strike a deal in the region of £120m.

Why Isak is worth the record fee?

At just 24, Alexander Isak has already proven himself as one of the Premier League’s most effective strikers. Since his £63m move from Real Sociedad in 2022, he has scored 62 goals in 109 appearances for the Magpies—including 27 last season. One of those goals came against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final.

Isak combines pace, movement, and clinical finishing—traits that make him a natural fit for Liverpool’s forward line. With three years left on his contract, and consistent improvement in front of goal, Isak’s value has skyrocketed. He’s also well within Liverpool’s budget, even under Premier League financial rules.

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Newcastle’s stance: Not for sale, for now

Despite Liverpool’s interest, Newcastle maintain that Isak is not on the market. The club values him at £150m or more and is determined to keep hold of their top scorer. Still, Liverpool wouldn’t have made an approach without receiving encouragement from the player’s camp.

With Newcastle already eyeing a move for Ekitike, there’s growing belief that the club may be open to doing business, if the price is right. However, they hold the stronger position for now, and are under no pressure to sell.

What if Isak doesn’t move? Liverpool have a Plan B

Liverpool’s interest in Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike is no coincidence. If Newcastle dig their heels in, the Reds could move fast for the 23-year-old Frenchman. Ekitike, who scored 22 goals for Frankfurt last season, plays a similar style to Isak—creative, fast, and technically gifted.

Newcastle recently had a £70m offer for Ekitike rejected, with Frankfurt demanding at least £85m. But Liverpool’s interest could disrupt that deal, putting the Magpies at risk of losing both strikers.

Statement of intent from the Reds

Liverpool have already splashed £116 million on Florian Wirtz earlier this summer, but their pursuit of Isak shows they’re not done yet. They are building for the future—and are willing to pay a premium for top-tier talent.

If Isak becomes available, Liverpool will be at the front of the queue. If not, they’ll shift gears quickly. Either way, a major striker signing is expected before the window shuts.