“As we speak” – Sky journalist shares news live from St James’ on second Liverpool bid

Liverpool Prepare Second Bid for Alexander Isak as Newcastle Stand Firm in Record Transfer Saga

The summer transfer window has taken a dramatic turn as Liverpool prepare a second bid for Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak after their initial £110-120 million offer was immediately rejected.

Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie reported live from St James’ Park that the Reds are actively working on an improved proposal, testing Newcastle’s resolve to keep their star striker.

Newcastle remain unmoved, valuing Isak at a Premier League record-breaking fee that would surpass the £115 million Chelsea paid for Moisés Caicedo last summer.

The Magpies have no intention of selling unless their demands are met, despite rumors that the Swedish international has already agreed to personal terms with Liverpool.

This potential deal could reshape the attacking dynamics of both clubs, with significant implications for their upcoming seasons.

How Isak Would Transform Liverpool’s Attack

Should the transfer materialize, Liverpool would finally secure the clinical finisher they have been missing since Darwin Núñez’s inconsistent performances.

While Núñez underperformed his expected goals (xG) last season, scoring just five times from chances worth 5.8 xG, Isak has proven himself as one of the league’s most efficient strikers.

The 24-year-old netted 23 goals from an xG of 20.3 in the 2023/24 campaign, continuing his trend of outperforming expectations in England.

Tactically, Isak could lead Liverpool’s attack as a traditional number nine, with new signing Hugo Ekitike potentially operating from the left.

BBC analyst Alex Keble suggested a fluid 4-2-3-1 system where Mohamed Salah and Ekitike drift centrally, allowing marauding full-backs like Jeremie Frimpong to provide width.

This setup would maximize Isak’s movement and finishing ability while maintaining Liverpool’s high-pressing identity.

While Liverpool push forward with negotiations, Newcastle are already considering replacements. Isak has been training alone in Spain as he recovers from a thigh injury, with captain Kieran Trippier acknowledging the striker’s absence from the squad.

“Alex is doing his rehab, and there’s no point in him traveling if he can’t play,” Trippier stated. “We have to focus on the players available, like young Sean Neave, who has stepped up well.”

The situation remains fluid, with Newcastle’s stance dependent on Liverpool meeting their valuation. If a deal does go through, the Magpies will need to reinvest quickly to avoid being left short in attack.

For now, all eyes are on Anfield’s next move—will they shatter the transfer record, or will Newcastle succeed in keeping their prized asset?

As the saga unfolds, one thing is certain: Alexander Isak’s future will be one of the defining stories of this transfer window, with ramifications for both clubs’ ambitions in the upcoming season.