Latest Liverpool transfer news and gossip as ECHO writers debate the future of Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak
Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak.
Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak.(Image: Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Alexander Isak is continuing to be linked with a move to Liverpool, with less than three weeks to go until the summer transfer window closes. After seeing a £110million bid rejected earlier this month, there is still no sign of the transfer saga slowing down as the Premier League season nears.
Liverpool have already been busy in the transfer market this summer with seven new signings. It remains to be seen if Isak will become a new member of Arne Slot's squad, with the ECHO reporting earlier this month that the Reds currently have no plans to make a second offer for the Sweden international.
Newcastle United have been resolute in their stance that Isak is not for sale this summer amid suggestions of a price tag of around £150million.
Here, ECHO writers give their take on continued rumours linking Liverpool with a move for Alexander Isak - with many agreeing Newcastle may need to sign a replacement in order for the Reds to pull off the move.
Mark Wakefield
Isak's name has been mentioned on the Liverpool transfer rumour mill for several months, but the possibility of a move actually happening has only been talked about seriously for a few weeks. With less than a month to go until the window closes, the Reds will soon have to make a decision on whether or not to make a move for Isak once again.
As things stand, it would take a change of stance from Newcastle to give Liverpool encouragement that a deal may be possible. If that never comes, the Reds may have to reach a point where they turn their attentions to other targets.
Liverpool have a reputation for not deviating away from their first-choice targets. If Isak remains their first-choice striker to be signed this summer, regardless of having a bid rejected, it would take something remarkable for them to change targets.
Content Image
Content Image
Hannah Pinnock
Based on the recent reports - of which there have been many from both sides - it seems the fee isn’t necessarily the issue here. Liverpool are clearly prepared to pay big money for Isak, and the £110 million bid as a starting point proves that. Newcastle will also be acutely aware that this summer is likely to be their best opportunity to receive the highest possible fee for him.
The issue appears to be Newcastle sourcing a suitable replacement. There is a dearth of top-quality strikers on the market this summer, and while the Reds have arguably already landed one of the best in Hugo Ekitike, it’s also why they view Isak as their dream signing.
So it’s understandable if Newcastle are looking at the current options and feeling underwhelmed. Benjamin Sesko, undoubtedly, would have been the perfect successor, but there was little surprise in his decision to choose Manchester United over a move to St James’ Park.
The key question Newcastle must consider in the final weeks of the window is whether any of the available options - be it Nicolas Jackson, Jorgen Strand Larsen, or even Rodrigo Muniz - represent a better fit for the team right now. There’s no denying that none of those players are on Isak’s level technically, but a Jackson who is fully bought into the Newcastle project and eager to prove a point may ultimately be better for the team than an Isak whose head is already elsewhere.
James Quinlan
Liverpool just need to put the money down for Isak and let this saga be done with.
Watching on from the stands at Wembley Stadium for last Sunday's Community Shield, Slot's side so clearly lost a clinical edge when he began to take off the likes of Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike. That second half just tailed off into nothing and they ended up losing the game on penalties.
Another attacker is evidently needed and as the Reds don't just shop around for anybody they can make do with, they can't look to anyone else but the top-scorer amongst strikers in the Premier League last season.
Newcastle United are going to have to give in at some stage if their relationship with their No.14 continues in its current state. Perhaps they are just holding off the inevitable and a hopeful theory is that they just don't want to see Isak line up against them at St. James' Park on Monday, August 25, so are holding off to make a deal until afterwards.
Liverpool can survive with their current options against Bournemouth and the Magpies, then bring Isak in ready for Arsenal's visit at the end of the month.
Matthew Abbott
Alexander Isak to Liverpool has a deadline day deal written all over it, akin to how the Reds finally sold Fernando Torres to Chelsea for £50million some 14-and-a-half years ago. Although that happened during a winter transfer window, I see a similar situation unfolding on September 1.
Newcastle were also involved on that occasion, cashing in on Andy Carroll for £35 million, but roles would now reverse. For their Carroll, see Jorgen Strand Larsen.
I cannot possibly see Newcastle selling their striker before the two teams play each other later this month. That match falls a week before the window closes, so Monday August 25 could effectively become a summit at St James' Park, with a Premier League match in the evening.
Seven days should be ample time for relations to thaw and a deal to happen. Newcastle may have signed Jacob Ramsey and Yoane Wissa by then too, which would further placate their fans.