A premature farewell?

Swedish striker Alexander Isak has informed Newcastle United of his desire to explore a move this summer, according to Mail Sport. Officially, his absence from the club’s pre-season tour of Asia is due to a minor thigh issue… but all signs point to something bigger. Isak didn’t travel with the squad, and his representatives have already begun sounding out Liverpool’s interest.

The Reds have made the 25-year-old a top priority after signing Hugo Ekitiké for £79 million. Now, they’re preparing an offer in the region of £150 million to land Isak—an amount that would make him the most expensive signing in British football history, surpassing the £116 million paid for Florian Wirtz just last month.

Una figura clave para Newcastle

A key figure for Newcastle

Since joining in 2022, Isak has been the heartbeat of Newcastle’s attack, scoring 62 goals in 109 appearances under Eddie Howe. His mix of pace, power, and technical skill has turned him into one of the most complete strikers in Europe—and his departure would leave a massive hole at St. James’ Park.

While Newcastle is reluctant to sell, Isak’s contract—running until 2028—gives the club leverage to negotiate or hold firm. Still, the player’s clear desire to explore options, combined with a potentially historic bid, could accelerate talks. CEO Darren Eales had previously suggested a contract extension after the season, but no discussions have materialized.

Slot’s new No. 9?

For Arne Slot, Liverpool’s new manager, Isak is an obsession. The Dutchman sees him as the ideal striker to lead the team’s post-Klopp era. If the Reds can meet Newcastle’s asking price and navigate Financial Fair Play rules, they may pull off one of the defining transfers of the summer window.

Meanwhile, concern is growing at Newcastle. With the Premier League season just weeks away, the club faces the real possibility of losing a cornerstone of their project. And when a player no longer wants to stay, everything moves faster.