Liverpool ‘speaking with Newcastle’ for Alexander Isak as Fabrizio Romano makes ’60 percent’ claim
The summer transfer window has reached fever pitch as Liverpool engage in advanced negotiations with Newcastle United for Swedish sensation Alexander Isak, with Fabrizio Romano estimating a 60% likelihood of the blockbuster deal materializing.
This potential transfer represents more than just a routine squad reinforcement—it signals Liverpool’s ambition to dominate English football for years to come under Arne Slot’s leadership.
Liverpool’s interest in Isak persists despite their £79 million acquisition of Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt last week.
The Reds’ sporting director Richard Hughes views the Newcastle marksman as the final piece in their attacking puzzle, with TEAMtalk sources revealing the club has already prepared a five-year contract that has met with the player’s approval.
This comes amid Isak’s growing frustration with Newcastle’s stalled contract talks and perceived lack of ambition in the transfer market.
The financial mechanics of this potential world-record deal reveal Liverpool’s strategic planning:
| Financial Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Luis Díaz to Bayern Munich | £65.5 million incoming |
| Additional Player Sales | Elliott, Núñez, Chiesa expected to raise £85m |
| Total Isak Package | £150 million (€173m) proposed |
| Weekly Wages | £300,000 (matching Newcastle’s offer) |
Isak’s 2023/24 campaign statistics demonstrate why Liverpool consider him worth this monumental investment:
| Metric | Alexander Isak | Premier League Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 23 | 3rd |
| Goals per 90 | 0.68 | 4th |
| Shot Conversion | 22.3% | 6th |
| Big Chances Created | 12 | 8th (among strikers) |
Romano’s disclosure that Isak has explicitly ruled out moves to Saudi Arabia, Manchester United, or Arsenal strengthens Liverpool’s negotiating position.
The Italian journalist emphasized on DAZN: “The player informed Newcastle about his desire to leave. He is not considering Saudi or any other option. Only Liverpool.” This singular focus from the striker puts immense pressure on Newcastle’s hierarchy to either secure an unprecedented fee or risk keeping a disgruntled star.
Newcastle face an agonizing dilemma. While £150 million would smash their transfer record for outgoing players, replacing Isak’s 40% contribution to their Premier League goals seems nearly impossible.
The club’s initial reluctance stems not just from sporting concerns but from the public relations disaster of selling their talisman to a direct rival.
However, their strained relationship with Isak following collapsed contract talks—Newcastle refused his £300,000 weekly wage demands—has created an irreparable fracture.
Liverpool’s recruitment strategy shows meticulous planning. The anticipated £65.5 million from Díaz’s Bayern Munich move covers nearly half of Isak’s valuation, while the expected sales of fringe players Harvey Elliott, Darwin Núñez, and Federico Chiesa would bridge the remaining gap.
This structured approach demonstrates Liverpool’s financial acumen, ensuring compliance with Financial Fair Play regulations while pursuing elite talent.
The human element of this transfer adds compelling layers. For Isak, this represents a chance to lead the line for defending champions and compete for the game’s highest honors.
His technical profile—combining clinical finishing (23 goals from 2.9 shots per game) with creative flair (1.2 key passes per match)—makes him the ideal successor to Liverpool’s storied attacking tradition. At 24, his prime years align perfectly with Slot’s long-term vision.
As negotiations enter their decisive phase, several critical questions remain: Will Newcastle’s Saudi ownership sanction the sale of their marquee player? Can Liverpool’s player sales generate the required supplementary funds?
How will Isak’s potential departure impact Newcastle’s ability to attract comparable replacements? The answers will emerge in the coming days, but one truth is already evident—this transfer saga will leave an indelible mark on both clubs’ seasons before a competitive ball has been kicked.
The broader implications of this potential transfer extend beyond Merseyside and Tyneside. Liverpool’s willingness to dismantle parts of their squad for Isak signals absolute belief in his world-class potential.
Newcastle’s response will reveal whether their project has the resilience to withstand elite poaching. In the high-stakes world of modern football transfers, this showdown represents more than just a player move—it’s a battle of ambition, strategy, and financial muscle that could shift the Premier League’s balance of power.
With preseason preparations underway and the August deadline looming, all parties face mounting pressure to resolve this saga decisively. Liverpool’s meticulous planning suggests they’re prepared to wait for their man, while Newcastle’s recruitment team must have contingency plans already in motion.
The coming weeks will determine whether this becomes remembered as Liverpool’s masterstroke or Newcastle’s costly miscalculation—with Alexander Isak’s prime years hanging in the balance.