Alexander Isak is said to be Liverpool's 'dream' target for the rest of the summer transfer window, but Newcastle United are playing hardball over the Swede's future
12:55, 19 Jun 2025
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MAY 25: Arne Slot, Manger of Liverpool, celebrates with the Premier League trophy trophy, as Liverpool are crowned the Champions of the Premier League for the 2024/25 Season, following the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Crystal Palace FC at Anfield on May 25, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Arne Slot is looking to defend his Premier League crown(Image: Carl Recine, Getty Images)
Despite splashing out a British record transfer fee for Florian Wirtz, Liverpool haven't abandoned their pursuit of Alexander Isak.
The Swedish striker has risen to prominence in the Premier League during his three-year stint with Newcastle. He's netted an impressive 62 goals in 102 appearances across all competitions for the Magpies since joining St James' Park.
This includes hitting the 20-goal mark in the top-flight in two consecutive seasons. His tally of 23 goals last season was the highest by a Newcastle player since Alan Shearer scored 23 in the 2001-02 campaign.
Only Liverpool's star and Premier League Player of the Season Mohamed Salah found the back of the net more times.
His stellar performances have propelled Newcastle to qualify for the Champions League in two of the past three seasons, as well as clinching this year's Carabao Cup, the club's first major trophy since 1955.
Alexander Isak during Newcastle vs Chelsea
Alexander Isak is Liverpool's 'dream' target(Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
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Regrettably for Newcastle, his prolific scoring record has caught the attention of several rival clubs.
Arsenal have been strongly linked with a move, although their focus seems to have shifted towards Benjamin Sesko, reports the Mirror.
Liverpool have also been frequently mentioned as a potential landing spot. And speculation about a possible switch to Anfield has been ramping up, as outlined by Daily Star Sportbelow.
Transfer update
Alexander Isak
Alexander Isak has become one of the best strikers in world football(Image: Getty Images)
A clutch of top-level clubs are understood to hold the Swedish goal-getter in high regard, with Liverpool among the chasing pack.
Isak is allegedly high on Mikel Arteta's shopping list at Arsenal as his dream No.9 – provided he could be lured away from Tyneside. However, given the difficulties of signing Isak, Arsenal are hot on the trail of Benjamin Sesko.
Conversely, reports are emerging that Liverpool haven't ruled out their chances with Isak and are quietly exploring avenues to check the viability of a transfer.
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 18: Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta before the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Newcastle United FC at Emirates Stadium on May 18, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta is also interested in Alexander Isak's services(Image: David Price, Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
What is more, fresh from demolishing the British transfer record on Wirtz, it is claimed that Liverpool might be prepared to rip it up all over again for their dream addition this window – Isak.
But the entire operation faces major obstacles due to the Magpies' strong desire to keep their prized forward.
Newcastle are under no financial pressure to let him go, given that Isak still has three years on his contract; and former Chief Executive Darren Eales has already labelled it "crazy" to let him go.
Newcastle United's Alexander Isak applauds the fans before the match the Premier League match between Leicester City FC and Newcastle United FC at The King Power Stadium on April 7, 2025 in Leicester, England.
Newcastle don't have to sell Alexander Isak(Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
With a Champions League qualification for next season, the club's motivation to keep Isak will only intensify. Moreover, manager Eddie Howe has been vocal about his wish to have Isak on board for the Magpies' future campaigns.
"Alex has got three years left on his deal," Howe remarked last month. "Of course, all contract situations are discussed and are talked about. But they are more delicately poised than people would naturally think from the outside. There is never one straight answer.
"Alex is under contract, we love him to bits, and we want him to stay and keep enjoying his football like he has done. We want him to keep scoring goals for Newcastle for many years. That's my plan."
The price tag
Alexander Isak
Alexander Isak has been tracked by a number of top clubs(Image: Getty Images)
Isak's solid contract allows Newcastle to demand a king's ransom from any interested clubs. Rumours suggest they could deter buyers with a whopping £150m valuation.
Liverpool are reportedly ready to table an offer around £100m, which falls £16m short of their spend on Wirtz, but it still falls short of what Newcastle reckon he's worth.
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With the Toon's Saudi investment and their Champions League comeback this season – not to mention the boost from bagging the League Cup recently – they're standing firm.