David Ornstein: Liverpool Pushing to Sign Alexander Isak in £120m Deal | OneFootball

Liverpool Eyeing £120m Alexander Isak Deal: What It Means for the Reds

Liverpool have officially expressed interest in signing Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, reports David Ornstein for The Athletic. While no formal offer has been tabled yet, Liverpool’s intention to strike a deal in the region of £120 million has certainly set tongues wagging across the Premier League.

Isak’s Record Speaks for Itself

Isak has been nothing short of prolific since arriving at St James’ Park from Real Sociedad. The Swedish forward has scored 62 goals in 109 appearances for Newcastle, with last season alone delivering an impressive 27 goals in 42 games. His clinical finishing helped Newcastle secure a fifth-place Premier League finish and Champions League qualification.

As Ornstein notes, Newcastle’s public and private stance is that Isak is not for sale, but this has always seemed somewhat dependent on the player’s own wishes. With three years left on his contract, the ball may now be in Isak’s court. If the lure of Anfield and the opportunity to spearhead Arne Slot’s attack tempts him, Newcastle’s position could be tested like never before.

Photo: IMAGO

Liverpool’s Summer of Ambition

Liverpool’s approach for Isak follows their record-breaking £100 million signing of Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen. They have also rejected a €67.5 million bid from Bayern Munich for Luis Diaz, though the Colombian has made it clear he wants to leave the club.

Following the tragic passing of Diogo Jota earlier this month, sensitivities are understandably high around the club, but the need to reinforce the forward line remains urgent. As The Athletic reported, Liverpool are prioritising the search for a top No 9. While Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike has been on the radar, no official contact has been made.

Photo: IMAGO

Other names in the mix include Federico Chiesa, while Napoli and Al Hilal have shown interest in Darwin Nunez, whose future is expected to be decided soon.

Seismic Impact on Newcastle

As Chris Waugh, Newcastle correspondent for The Athletic, puts it: “The potential loss of Isak would be seismic and cannot really be understated.” His 54 goals in 86 Premier League games have made him one of the most reliable strikers in England. While Ekitike is considered a fine prospect, he lacks the Premier League track record that makes Isak invaluable to Newcastle’s ambitions.

Newcastle have been bullish all year, insisting Isak is untouchable, but an approach from a club like Liverpool could change the dynamic, especially if Isak himself is open to the move.

What’s Next in the Transfer Saga?

At this stage, no conclusions should be rushed. Newcastle are still negotiating for Ekitike, and Liverpool are weighing up their attacking options. Yet, the very fact that Liverpool have communicated interest signals that Arne Slot and his team are not resting on their laurels after last season’s Premier League title win.

This saga is far from over, and as Ornstein highlights, Newcastle’s transfer dealings are drawing worldwide attention. Whether or not Isak becomes a Red this summer, Liverpool’s ambitions are clear: they want to stay at the top of English football.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

As Liverpool fans, this news is pure excitement. Imagine Alexander Isak leading the line under Arne Slot, who has already shown his brilliance by clinching the Premier League in his first season. Isak’s movement, his ability to drop deep, link play and then finish with composure is exactly what we’ve been missing since Jota’s tragic loss.

The £120 million price tag is massive, but the club has already shown it is willing to spend big, as seen with Florian Wirtz. Some may worry about Darwin Nunez leaving, but honestly, if Isak comes in, that’s a clear upgrade. He’s proven in the Premier League, he’s only 25, and he’s still improving.

Newcastle will fight to keep him, but the allure of Anfield, Champions League nights and playing in front of the Kop could be irresistible. Slot has a vision, and you can feel the momentum building. This feels like a new era where Liverpool are not just trying to compete, they are trying to dominate. If Isak joins, we are sending a message: we’re here to stay at the top.