Liverpool Receive Huge Boost in the Race to Sign Alexander Isak – Report | OneFootball

Liverpool on High Alert as Isak Sits Out Friendlies: A Transfer Hint Too Big to Ignore?

Liverpool’s interest in Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak has taken on fresh urgency following the latest revelation from Craig Hope of the Daily Mail. The Sweden international will “NOT play in this weekend’s Sela Cup fixtures against Espanyol and Atletico Madrid”, a decision that sends a clear signal to observers: the 25-year-old’s future on Tyneside is hanging by a thread.

It is understood that Isak is back in training but doing so “separate from the main group while Eddie Howe and the club decide their next move”. This type of segregation, especially at this crucial stage of pre-season, rarely ends with a player staying put.

For Liverpool, this development is undoubtedly significant. The club’s admiration for Isak is longstanding, and the current situation at Newcastle may finally open the door.

Newcastle Paralysed by Replacement Search

According to Hope, “he won’t be joining Liverpool until Newcastle have signed the strikers to replace him and Callum Wilson”, who left the club on a free in June. The issue? That search has been one of repeated rejection and uncertainty.

Benjamin Sesko has opted for Manchester United. Hugo Ekitike went to Liverpool. Bryan Mbeumo, Joao Pedro and Liam Delap are all unavailable. In Hope’s words, “Newcastle’s recruitment team are working hard, as they have done all summer, even if the optics of their business have not been good.”

This delay benefits no one. Newcastle risk entering the Premier League season with Anthony Gordon as a makeshift No. 9. Meanwhile, Liverpool, although Premier League champions under Arne Slot, are still grieving the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and could use another dynamic forward.

Photo: IMAGO

£150 Million Deal Still Expected

Despite the standoff, Hope reports he “still believes… Isak will join Liverpool this summer for a British-record fee approaching £150m.” While such a figure would raise eyebrows, it is not implausible. Liverpool are cash-rich after selling fringe players, and Isak’s pedigree makes him worth the premium.

His record speaks for itself. In a Newcastle side plagued by inconsistency, Isak’s grace in possession, clinical finishing, and ability to operate across the frontline have made him indispensable. Newcastle’s reluctance to risk him in pre-season now reads more like asset protection than squad rotation.

Isak’s Stance: Clearly Pointing to Anfield

While Newcastle continue to posture, Isak’s own behaviour is telling. As Hope writes, “He would not want to play even if invited to, you suspect.” That subtle line says a lot. It mirrors the quiet assertiveness of a player who has made up his mind.

Sources close to the club indicate a mutual understanding: Isak wants Liverpool, and Liverpool want him. The only remaining variable is Newcastle’s striker situation. Once they secure replacements — which, based on Hope’s reporting, could be Yoane Wissa and Jorgen Strand Larsen — the green light could flash at any moment.

Until then, Liverpool wait, but they do so with increasing confidence.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

As Liverpool supporters, we’ve seen this kind of dance before. A big signing in the balance, and all signs pointing to our club waiting to pounce. But this time, there’s a sense of inevitability.

Alexander Isak has the technical quality, maturity and character to thrive at Anfield. He isn’t just a solution to the void left by Diogo Jota, he could be the future face of Liverpool’s forward line. Imagine a front three with Isak, Salah and Wirtz, or even shifting Salah more centrally with Isak wide — the options are endless under Arne Slot.

From a fan’s perspective, the sight of Isak refusing to play in friendlies feels like a quiet rebellion. It’s not aggressive, it’s not dramatic, but it sends the right message: he’s ready for the next step.

Slot’s reputation for progressive football and tactical discipline means Isak would be joining a system that suits him. His ability to drop deep and connect play is reminiscent of a Firmino-type false nine, but with more pace and mobility.

We’ll have to wait for Newcastle to sort their replacements, but it’s clear we’re the destination Isak wants. As Hope rightly notes, “there is an acceptance among some on the inside that this, in the circumstances, is the best way forward for the club.”

Let’s hope that £150 million is seen as a statement, not a gamble. Because if this deal gets done, we might just be watching the start of the next Liverpool era.