Transfer Show: Liverpool emerge as clear destination for Alexander Isak this summer | OneFootball

Alexander Isak wants Liverpool move as Newcastle brace for summer shake-up

Liverpool’s transfer window is already on the verge of historic, and it could soon tip into the unprecedented. Speaking on The Transfer Show podcast with Trev Downey, contributor Dave Davis laid out the full picture behind Alexander Isak’s desire to join Liverpool, his absence from Newcastle’s pre-season tour, and how the pieces are moving into place to make a deal happen.

“He wants to come to Liverpool”

The clearest message came early from Davis: “He wants to come to Liverpool. He’s made that clear to Newcastle.” That alone sets the tone for what could become the statement signing of the summer. As Davis described, the club are “going out there… absolutely just showing the world what it is to be champions and to strengthen from a position of strength.”

The discussions around Isak are no longer based on rumour or hope. Davis detailed the shift from speculation to possibility, starting with Isak training alone: “People saying, ‘No, it’s just a recovery for injury.’” But eyebrows were raised further when “he didn’t go to the Celtic game with the Newcastle squad,” and eventually, the biggest clue dropped: “Alexander Isak was not going on the tour of Singapore… with a quote unquote minor injury.”

No takers from Chelsea or United

Isak’s preference is no secret, and Liverpool’s position is strengthening because, as Davis put it, “Manchester United and Chelsea… Chelsea came out and said, ‘No, we’ve got no interest in this player.’” Newcastle’s only leverage might have been rival interest, but the player’s camp has refused moves elsewhere, even when money was on the table. “They tried to ship him to Saudi and Al Hilal. Nada there. He’s not interested,” Davis confirmed.

Even Trev Downey admitted, “The only real rival I can see to Liverpool in this situation realistically… is Chelsea,” before swiftly adding, “we do believe fully in the madness of Sweeney Todd,” referencing the unpredictability of Chelsea’s transfer policy. But Davis was having none of it: “It’s not going to be Chelsea… they’re chasing other players.” The result? “You’re just left with Anfield as the only ‘guess who’ tile.”

Newcastle’s own moves suggest exit plan

If Newcastle truly had no intention to sell, then their behaviour makes little sense. Davis highlighted the contradiction: “If he’s absolutely not for sale… why, as per David Ornstein, are Newcastle exploring a move for Sesko at Red Bull Leipzig?” He added that “Newcastle also looking at Wissa at Brentford” suggests the Magpies are already working out life after Isak.

While Newcastle journalists insist a deal is unlikely, Davis reminded listeners, “We’ve been here Trev… with Javier Mascherano, Fernando Torres… Sometimes it’s just a case of get the best deal you possibly can.”

Isak and Ekitike – together at Anfield?

With Hugo Ekitike already signed, the thought of adding Isak has many fans wondering if both players fit the same system. But as Davis noted, “We’ve reiterated it. We thought we’d try for Isak, we wouldn’t be successful, we’d end up with Ekitike… There’s a serious chance we’re ending up with both.”

Downey cut through the doubt, saying, “What if we had a situation where Isak and Ekitike split the minutes without ever playing together? Anyone complain about that?” Davis pointed to Sam Maguire’s analysis showing Ekitike’s profile “quite similar in some elements to Luis Diaz… maybe more surprisingly Cody Gakpo,” while reaffirming that Isak “is your tip of your arrow to score the goals.”

Liverpool’s summer ambition clear

If this deal happens, it will be a statement of intent to rival any in Liverpool’s modern history. “This will be unprecedented if the last big story happens,” Davis said. “And I’m as old as dirt, man. I’ve seen it all.” Downey went one further: “If we get this guy as well… I just feel there literally was nobody getting in our way.”

That might be hyperbole, but it captures the mood around Anfield. Liverpool are back in the market not just to compete, but to dominate. And if Alexander Isak becomes a Red, it may signal the dawn of a new attacking era at the club.