Liverpool planning a massive €138 million transfer deal
In the ever-evolving world of football transfers, Liverpool FC finds itself in a standoff with Newcastle United over the potential acquisition of Swedish striker Alexander Isak.
**Liverpool's Interest** Liverpool, facing uncertainty over the future of strikers Darwin Núñez and Federico Chiesa, has shown a keen interest in Isak. Reports suggest that the Reds were prepared to offer up to £130 million, which would have been a British transfer record. However, despite initial contact, no formal bid has been submitted [1][3].
**Newcastle's Stance** Despite Liverpool's aggressive approach, Newcastle's Saudi ownership group has unequivocally blocked any potential transfer. The club remains unwilling to sell Isak, regardless of the bid size or any personal interest the striker might have in a move [4][5]. Newcastle views Isak as integral to their future and is preparing a lucrative new contract to make him the club’s highest-paid player ever [5].
**Isak’s Position** Reports suggest Isak was open to discussing a move to Liverpool, but the decision is not his to make—Newcastle has not enabled negotiations to progress, even at a club-record fee [3][5]. Isak's frustrations over a delayed pay rise have been noted, but the club now seems determined to address this and lock down his future [5].
**Other Developments** Arsenal is also said to be considering making an offer for Isak, as Liverpool's rivals circle [7]. Meanwhile, Liverpool has reportedly also expressed interest in Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt [6].
**Transfer Market Trends** The potential transfer fee for Florian Wirtz could rise to 150 million euros, setting a new benchmark in the market [2]. It's worth noting that Wirtz, a national player, had previously cost his former club Leverkusen 125 million euros [2]. Alexander Isak's transfer from San Sebastián to Newcastle United occurred in 2022 for 70 million euros [8].
**Looking Ahead** As of July 18, 2025, any transfer of Alexander Isak from Newcastle to Liverpool is effectively off due to the Saudi owners’ refusal to sell, despite Liverpool’s willingness to pay a record sum and the player’s reported openness to the move [5]. Newcastle is instead focusing on extending Isak’s contract and building the team around him [5].
With the transfer window still open, the saga surrounding Isak's potential move to Liverpool continues to unfold. Fans and pundits alike will watch with bated breath to see if a resolution can be reached.
**Summary Table**
| Party | Stance/Action | |-----------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Liverpool | Offered/considered up to £130m, showed strong interest, but no formal bid made[5]. | | Newcastle | Refused to sell at any price, no talks progressing, preparing new contract[4][5]. | | Isak | Open to Liverpool move, but powerless as Newcastle block exit[3][5]. | | Arsenal | Considering making an offer for Alexander Isak[7]. | | Ekitike (Eintracht Frankfurt) | Reportedly a target for Liverpool[6]. | | Wirtz (Leverkusen) | Previously cost 125 million euros[2]. | | San Sebastián | Previous club of Alexander Isak[8]. |
- The Premier League could potentially see a significant shakeup if Liverpool's interest in acquiring Alexander Isak from Newcastle United becomes a reality, as the striker was reportedly open to a move to the Reds.
- Despite European-leagues witnessing record-breaking transfer fees, the European-leagues' transfer market may not see another British transfer record being set in the near future, as Newcastle United's stance on selling Isak remains unwavering.
