Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak is once again linked with a summer transfer to Liverpool
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Alexander Isak of Newcastle United plays
Alexander Isak of Newcastle United(Image: Scott Llewellyn | MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Resurfacing amid Liverpool's electric start to the summer transfer window are links to Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak. The Reds have proven themselves to be shopping at the highest end of the market with a £116m deal already agreed for Florian Wirtz, but could they seriously follow that up with another at a potentially higher cost?
Isak has been branded the 'dream' signing for Arne Slot and Co. looking ahead to their defence of the Premier League title next season. Such a claim would be understandable by virtue of the fact only Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah have outscored the Magpies man's 54 strikes over the last three English top-flight campaigns.
However, it would stand to be a complex manoeuvre with Liverpool already prepared to commit upwards of £200m towards other arrivals of top priority and their rivals in no rush to sell up.
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Under contract until 2028, the only viable way to see Isak move to Anfield would surely be a move from the player himself to attempt to force Newcastle into the sale. So, the ECHO have collected everything Isak has previously said on his time at St. James' Park and his thoughts on the club he is being linked with yet again.
A telling admission
Speaking to The Shields Gazzette before March's Carabao Cup final between the two clubs, Isak said he quite enjoys playing against the Reds. Since he scored against them on his debut in England almost three years ago he has kept up that run by netting three and assisting once in five meetings.
But there was a hint of admiration for his opponents too, and a suggestion that he would fit right in to Liverpool's team.
"I really enjoy the games against Liverpool, because I think they're not too different to ourselves, a high-pressing team and a direct team, which can lead to many counter-opportunities, and that's the game I like," he said.
"I think I've had pretty good success before, I feel good and enjoy playing against them."
Contract talks
Also prior to the cup final Isak spoke at a press conference, where he was asked about contract renewal talks with Newcastle.
"I think this club can achieve great things. We should look at one season at a time and this season we can achieve winning a trophy, which would be amazing for everyone.
"My future is nothing really I think about. I've said many times doing a season I just focus on the job, now is probably the worst time to think about anything else.
"All of our focus is just on Sunday, doing good and hopefully bringing the trophy back to Newcastle," he responded.
Transfer interest verdict
Heading away for the March international break after Newcastle beat Liverpool at Wembley Stadium, Isak was asked by Swedish network TV4 about the rumoured transfer interest from the Reds and long-term admiration from Arsenal.
The striker replied: "There's not much to say, really. I've commented on my situation and my confidence in Newcastle several times.
"I've described how much I love the city and love the club. And how much I like it there.
"As usual, I don't think about my future. I don't think about anything like that. I just want to perform for Newcastle. We won the cup, I want to finish strong and get a Champions League game. That's all I'm focused on.
Anfield opinion
It only took a year-and-a-half playing in England for Isak to gauge an opinion of Anfield that all Liverpool supporters will appreciate.
During an interview with Sky Sports, the Sweden international was asked for his favourite venue in the Premier League besides Newcastle's St. James' Park.
"Anfield is good. Probably [the loudest]. The average level is very good in the Premier League," was his response.