Liverpool has learnt just how much it would cost for Newcastle United to even engage in transfer talks over Alexander Isak.
The Magpies forked out just over $80 million (£63M) for Isak from Real Sociedad back in 2022, with the Swedish striker coming off the back of a six-goal season in La Liga. And since his arrival on Tyneside, Isak has continued to flourish, scoring 50 goals in 76 Premier League games for Newcastle.
Last season, he took his game to new heights, scoring 21 goals in 30 games. And this term, he has gotten even better, with the Newcastle striker having found the back of the net 19 times in 24 league games so far this season.
However, with Newcastle not a lock to get Champions League football and Isak seemingly entering the prime of his career, it is unclear what impact failing to qualify for Europe's elite club competition will have on the Swede's future.
Isak, who will face off against Liverpool at Wembley in the Carabao Cup final next weekend, is currently under contract through June 2028, meaning Newcastle is in no hurry to sell their star striker. But due to his performances, the 25-year-old - who has given no indication he is unhappy on Tyneside - has been continually linked with a move away from St. James' Park, with Liverpool one of the sides mooted to be interested in Isak.
It has now also been reported Newcastle will only entertain offers around the $193 million (£150M) mark by the Athletic's David Ornstein. Ornstein recently wrote: "Newcastle have no intention of selling their best player and, understandably, don’t welcome this kind of conversation. Isak has more than three years left on his existing contract, he is very well paid, and there’s no financial requirement for the St James’ Park hierarchy to cash in.
Alexander Isak
Liverpool continue to be linked with a summer transfer swoop for Newcastle United's Alexander Isak. (Image: Getty)
"Now, every player has their price and while I’m not aware of Newcastle specifically setting one for Isak, the number that seems to circulate around the industry is something like £150 million. Perhaps if teams are prepared to make such eye-watering offers there’s a conversation to be had, but Newcastle hold the aces here and their plan will be to build with, rather than without, him."
GiveMeSport insider Ben Jacobs adds that the $150M fee is what it would take to "even engage" in Isak transfer talks for Newcastle, hinting that the actual price to secure the striker's signature would probably be much higher.
Liverpool.com says: "It's hard to argue that Alexander Isak is not worth the fee Newcastle will command for the Swede. He is twice the player now than he was when he arrived in the Premier League and strikers like him do not grow on trees.
"He has electric pace, is a deceptively good dribbler, and can finish with both feet. Additionally, Newcastle is not under pressure to sell Isak following three back-to-back transfer windows of frugality which has seen them alleviate their PSR concerns that plagued them last summer."