Arne Slot has been told the secret formula to getting the best out of Alexander Isak if Liverpool land their target, who has transformed into one of the most lethal strikers in the Premier League
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Updated 09:57, 20 Jun 2025
Alexander Isak of Newcastle United celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Ipswich Town FC at St James' Park on April 26, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
Liverpool are interested in signing Newcastle talisman Alexander Isak
(Image: Getty Images)
Arne Slot has been told exactly what he must do to get the best out of Alexander Isak if Liverpool sign the Newcastle sensation this summer. The Sweden international, 25, has blossomed into one of the standout players in the Premier League over the past three years on Tyneside.
Isak boasts a fantastic goal-scoring record since joining the Magpies, having netted 62 goals in 109 appearances in all competitions. His blistering form, which includes 27 goals and six assists this season, has seen him linked with a number of Premier League sides, including the Reds.
Arne Slot’s Premier League winners have already shown they mean business in the transfer window, having wrapped up the signings of Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz for £29.5million and £116m, respectively, with the latter shattering the British transfer record once he follows his former Bayer Leverkusen team-mate through the doors at Kirkby.
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It has been reported by Give Me Sport that Liverpool may look to break the transfer record for a second time in the same window in their pursuit of Isak, who Newcastle have slapped a hefty £150m price-tag on.
Isak has been labelled as Slot’s 'dream' signing this summer and is widely considered to be the finished article. Yet, a deep dive into the player by The Athletic earlier this year revealed that the onus is very much on the coaches at Newcastle to get the best out of the Swede.
It stated that Isak has to be kept “stimulated” to “really get him going”. Newcastle coaching staff discuss among themselves how they can push him into elevating his levels at the appropriate moment - only then can they reap the benefits of his lofty potential.
His raw talent was clear from the moment he joined the Magpies, who never doubted his ability. Newcastle coaches reportedly felt he required time to understand the Premier League, an ongoing process, though he possessed “uncoachable raw ingredients”, according to a former member of staff.
Isak “needs to be constantly challenged”, according to those who have worked with him, and he loves “creative work”, given he is a creative player. Eddie Howe and his staff set targets for Isak to reach, which he relishes as they keep him engaged.
An unnamed source who has worked closely with Isak was reported to have said: “There isn’t a ceiling to what he can achieve,” which is why he is such a coveted player and why Newcastle are unwilling to let him leave this summer.
Alexander Isak of Newcastle United with Eddie Howe the head coach / manager of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Nottingham Forest FC at St James' Park on February 23, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
Eddie Howe has learned how to get the best out of Alexander Isak
There is no doubting that Slot, who galvanised a Liverpool squad which finished third the previous season and comfortably won the league with only one outfield addition, has the tactical knowledge and man-management skills to push Isak to new heights.
It’s not totally beyond the realm of possibility that Liverpool will top their £116m Wirtz offer in order to bring Isak to Anfield, though it has been reported that the Reds are closer to tabling a bid of around £100m.
But that’s £16m less than they paid for Wirtz and far below Newcastle’s £150m valuation, with the north east club able to demand an eye-watering sum for a player who still has three years left on his contract.
One factor that could play into Liverpool’s hands, however, is if Newcastle strike a deal with Brighton & Hove Albion for Brazilian star Joao Pedro. According to talkSPORT, the Magpies' stance regarding Isak could weaken slightly if they sign the £60m-£70m rated 23-year-old.
It was suggested that the arrival of Pedro may see their reluctance to allow Isak to leave, waver, with Alex Crook of talkSPORT saying: "I think this would be a difficult deal to do but it might get easier if Newcastle win the race for Brighton's Joao Pedro.
“That is a hotly contested one - a lot of interest from the Premier League and Europe. I know Newcastle fear Chelsea could beat them to the punch.”