All the latest Liverpool transfer news as Arne Slot looks to get his hands on a new striker this summer
Alexander Isak of Newcastle United celebrates the 4th goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Nottingham Forest FC at St James' Park on February 23, 2025
Alexander Isak during Newcastle United's clash against Nottingham Forest(Image: Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
Alexander Isak has emerged as a target for Liverpool. The Newcastle United talisman has been one of several strikers to be linked with a move to Anfield this summer as Arne Slot looks to bolster his frontline.
Isak, who sees his contract at St. James' Park expire in June 2028, featured 34 times in the Premier League last season, scoring 23 goals and providing six assists. Playing a key role for Eddie Howe's side, he helped the Magpies finish fifth and qualify for the Champions League.
The Sweden international's impressive performances haven't gone unnoticed, attracting interest from Anfield. So, with that being said, the ECHO has rounded up everything that is being reported about Isak and a potential transfer to Liverpool.
Liverpool step up Isak interest
The ECHO understands that Liverpool have stepped up their attempts to sign a new striker, with Isak emerging as the leading target. The Premier League champions are long-term admirers of the 25-year-old, who has been valued at approaching £100m.
It's also understood that Newcastle are pursing a deal for Hugo Ekitike. The Magpies had a bid worth almost €80m (£69.5m) rejected by Eintracht Frankfurt on Tuesday for the Frenchman.
Ekitike is also on Liverpool's shortlist, and they're debating whether to make a move of their own given the impending need for potentially more than one new number nine.
Liverpool 'approach'
Reports have claimed Liverpool contacted Newcastle to enquire about Isak's availability. However, the ECHO understands no official offer has yet been made by Liverpool for Isak, and there has been no contact at present from anyone at the club to anyone at Newcastle.
Alexander Isak before a Newcastle United game
Alexander Isak before a Newcastle United game
Newcastle 'set Isak price tag'
The ECHO understands that Newcastle do not want to sell Isak this summer, with the Sweden international valued at approaching £100million, and have remained steadfast in that approach.
The Press Association news agency reports that Newcastle have put a value on Isak of around £150million in an attempt to ward off potential suitors.
According to The Athletic, Liverpool are aware that Newcastle do not want to sell Isak; however, they have communicated their interest to do a deal in the region of £120m. The report claims that the Reds are long-term admirers of the Swede.
It's said that Ekitike is also on Slot's radar, but no official contact has been made with Eintracht Frankfurt. The Athletic claims that the Magpies are currently working on a deal to sign the 23-year-old striker, but they're yet to reach an agreement with either the Bundesliga outfit or the player.
What Isak has said about his future
Speaking to Fotbollskanalen in April, Isak provided an update on his future. He said: "There’s not much to say, really. I’ve commented on my situation and my security in Newcastle several times. It’s been written how much I love the city and the club, how well I feel there.
"I’m not thinking about the future. I just want to perform for Newcastle. Now we won the cup, but we want to finish strong and reach the Champions League games. That’s where my focus lies.
"There is no reason for me to think about anything else. I am incredibly happy at Newcastle. My only focus is on playing," added Isak. "I don't know much [about outside interest], to be honest.
"From within the club and from our side there are absolutely no discussions. It's just full focus on playing for me..."
What Howe has said about Isak's future
In May, Howe provided a direct update on Isak's future in Tyneside. Speaking with reporters ahead of Newcastle's trip to the Amex Stadium to play Brighton, the Magpies boss was asked if the Swede was 'for sale' this summer.
"He's not for sale from my perspective," said Howe. "I want to build a squad, I want the strongest squad possible for next season. There is a lot to look forward to here, hopefully. The end of the season is crucial for us.
"I think that we have a strong squad and, if we can add players for the first time in a few windows, that will make a massive, massive difference for us. That's what I'm focusing on, not the other way around."
Eddie Howe with Alexander Isak
Eddie Howe with Alexander Isak(Image: Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Howe added: "We want to keep our best players. I think I've made that very clear. That's not just the wish from me, that's the wish from everyone at the club. I don't have a crystal ball.
"I can't sit here and say what's going to happen. I can only say what my determination is, and that's to build a team, the best team possible, and to do that, you can't consistently lose your best players."
Howe refuses to guarantee Isak stay
A couple of weeks later, following Newcastle's 1-0 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, Howe was asked if Isak will definitely stay. He said: "I never make those guarantees about any player.
"It's not to do with Alex's future, I'd be foolish to sit here and do anything like that. We want to keep our strongest players. I have said that as long as I've sat in this seat.
"We have to keep our strongest players and also bring in more good players to make us stronger, because of the ambition of the club and everybody connected with its long-term success.
"That's the only way we can try to get that..."