Newcastle United have rejected a £110 million bid from Liverpool for Alexander Isak, as the club holds firm on a £150 million valuation and refuses to sell without securing a replacement, according to multiple outlets, including the Daily Mail.
Liverpool formally submitted their offer before the weekend, despite knowing it was below an earlier £120 million informal discussion with the club.
According to reports, Newcastle immediately declined the latest—and lone formal—offer by the Reds, making it clear there would be no further talks without a major increase of the presented figure.
Sources at St James’ Park expressed frustration at what they viewed as a calculated move by Liverpool to “save face” with Isak’s camp. One source described the approach as “baffling,” suggesting the Merseyside club may have “bottled it” after prioritizing other targets like Hugo Ekitike.
Isak has not helped matters by training at his former club, Real Sociedad, while citing a thigh injury. Newcastle have not confirmed if Isak had permission to travel to Spain, although it’s fair to assume he didn’t, considering he was prohibited from joining the team in Asia for their preseason tour precisely to avoid further damage to his “injured” thigh.
Sources close to the club, according to the aforementioned reports, have suggested a fine could follow from Newcastle.
The Magpies are actively pursuing replacements, with interest in Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa and Yoane Wissa of Brentford. However, until they make progress, Isak has been told he will not be sold.
“There is some sympathy for the player,” a club source told the Daily Mail, “but Liverpool’s bid was never going to be accepted.”
As things stand, Newcastle expect Isak to report back for training next week — unless Liverpool return with a bid that meets all their terms.