Newcastle United’s Saudi Arabian owners could inadvertently be about to help Liverpool sign star striker Alexander Isak.
Supporters of the north-east side continue to leave in fear of any major Isak updates, unless it’s confirmation of the forward’s contract extension at St James’ Park. Reports in the Chronicle on Saturday claimed Eddie Howe is relaxed and could play a key role in those negotiations, with “quiet talks” taking place in recent days.
But Isak continues to be linked with a move to Liverpool in what is proving to be a remarkable summer of business at Anfield. The arrivals of Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez have already been completed, while a new center-back is expected to arrive too.
That could leave Liverpool with two months of the window to sort its final problem: adding another striker.
Isak would certainly be the most expensive option on the market and the preferred choice among fans, although Victor Osimhen, Viktor Gyokeres, Benjamin Sesko and Hugo Ekitike have also been mentioned in reports.
A recent report in the Telegraph stated Newcastle could even demand a fee of around £200M ($275M), double the initial fee paid by the Reds to secure Wirtz’s record-breaking signing.
Alexander Isak has been linked with a move to Liverpool this summer
Alexander Isak has been linked with a move to Liverpool this summer (Image: Getty Images)
Given the arrival of a center-back could push Liverpool’s summer spending beyond the £200M mark already, it feels like a tall order for the club to shell out such lavish sums again.
But a report in Saudi Arabian outlet Okaz claims Al-Nassr is willing to part with €100 million ($117M/£85M) to secure the signing of Luis Diaz.
That may shift the needle on Liverpool’s transfer spending, while Jarell Quansah, Harvey Elliott, Darwin Nunez, Kostas Tsimikas and Federico Chiesa could all move on this summer.
Given the Reds have already earned around £22 million ($30M) from the departures of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Caoimhin Kelleher, suddenly, Isak’s price tag feels more achievable.
Luis Diaz
Luis Diaz has been linked with a summer move away from Liverpool. (Image: © 2025 SOPA Images)
That said, Liverpool has no plans to sell Diaz this summer and despite the player’s claims that a contract offer could be on the table, the Reds currently have no plans to extend his deal.
The Colombian winger, who has also attracted interest from Barcelona, played in 36 of Liverpool’s Premier League matches this season and is seen as a key member of Arne Slot’s squad. But whether Al-Nassr’s possible offer could tempt FSG remains unclear.
It would be an ironic twist given the Saudi club is owned by the nation’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), the same body which holds a controlling stake in Newcastle. Therefore, the Magpies’ owners could inadvertently facilitate Isak’s exit this summer.