David Ornstein: Liverpool Have Already ‘Communicated’ with Newcastle United Over £130m Alexander Isak Bid | OneFootball

Alexander Isak’s Silent Goodbye: A Storm Brewing on Tyneside

In the bright haze of Newcastle’s uncertain summer, a shadow figure slips through the cracks. Alexander Isak, once the talismanic flame lighting the black-and-white stripes, now flickers with discontent. As reported by David Ornstein for The Athletic, the Sweden international “wants to leave Newcastle United,” a statement with the weight of thunder, whispered behind closed doors.

Isak’s absence from the pre-season friendly at Celtic Park and the club’s tour of Asia was officially explained as due to a “minor thigh problem.” Yet, multiple sources say otherwise. As Ornstein reports, the omission was “a preference of the 25-year-old striker.” In the stillness of that preference, a message rings loud: Isak may be physically in Tyneside, but his mind is elsewhere.

Isak’s Premier League Rise and Liverpool’s Interest

Since joining Newcastle from Real Sociedad in August 2022 for £60 million, Isak has blossomed into one of Europe’s most lethal forwards. With 27 goals in all competitions last season and 23 in the Premier League alone, he trailed only Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah. His finish in the Carabao Cup final brought Newcastle their first domestic silverware in 70 years — a goal woven into the tapestry of their modern rebirth.

Liverpool have already “communicated their interest” and floated a fee “in the region of £120million.” Newcastle have so far remained firm: “the player is not for sale.” But as Ornstein notes, “if there is a willing buyer able to cough up an eye-watering sum,” then the question becomes not if, but when.

Celtic Omission: The First Crack in the Mask

The omission from Celtic was the visual cue supporters needed. “This has felt like the direction of travel for a while,” wrote Chris Waugh. A phrase like a subtle dream sequence turning nightmarish. Newcastle’s transfer planning had already begun to unravel. After losing out on Hugo Ekitike to Liverpool, the void becomes cavernous. Will Osula “showed persistent rawness” while academy youngster Sean Neave stands next in line. Callum Wilson is gone. Yoane Wissa’s fee is stalling talks.

And yet, Isak remains under contract until 2028. His departure is not inevitable — not yet. But Eddie Howe, if he is to keep the Swede, must now rebuild more than just tactics. He must rebuild belief.

Unsettled Star, Unsettling Summer

This is the second straight summer of turbulence at St James’ Park. Isak’s desire to leave — still officially unacknowledged — could shatter any remaining illusions of stability. Ornstein’s report suggests a player seeking evolution, not escape. A dreamer casting his gaze elsewhere, perhaps towards Anfield’s red glow.

If Isak pushes harder, and Newcastle blink, the hammer blow will echo far beyond the banks of the Tyne.

Photo: IMAGO

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

This is the kind of story that quickens the pulse and sharpens the appetite of any Liverpool supporter. Imagine Alexander Isak at Anfield, clad in red, linking up with Salah, Díaz and Mac Allister, under Arne Slot’s relentless, elegant footballing philosophy. After winning the Premier League in his first season, Slot has proven he can manage both egos and expectations. With Isak, he may soon have the league’s most complete forward line.

At just 25, Isak is Premier League-tested and has consistently delivered — 27 goals last season is no fluke. His close control, rangy dribbling and unnerving calm in the box would be perfect for Slot’s fluid attacking movements. He’s the kind of striker who doesn’t just score, he shapes the pitch around him.

And yes, £120 million is a monster fee. But this isn’t a gamble, it’s a statement. Liverpool can afford it now. FSG have shown ambition, and in Slot, we have a coach who improves players. Isak could explode at Anfield.

This feels real. If Isak really wants out and the whispers are accurate, Liverpool must strike fast. We lost out on Bellingham. Don’t let another one slip through.