Alexander Isak’s potential transfer to Liverpool feels like it’s dragged on for far too long now.
It’s clear that the Sweden international wants out, and it’s also clear that Arne Slot sees the number nine as his dream target.
However, due to Newcastle not being able to find a replacement and Liverpool not wanting to fork out the Magpies’ asking price for their star man, negotiations have hit a stalemate.
Indeed, Isak did release a statement saying that promises were broken, but that hasn’t stopped Newcastle from saying that he can eventually be reintegrated into their first-team squad if he wishes.
Alexander Isak wags his finger during a Premier League match between Newcastle United and Aston Villa at St James' Park.
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
However, it feels like things have gone far past that now, with Eddie Howe likely waiting for Liverpool to up their offer or to even find a replacement striker for the former Real Sociedad man.
Yoanne Wissa is now wanted by Tottenham
Seeing as though Newcastle need two new strikers this summer, should Isak end up leaving, they’ve been on the hunt for their Callum Wilson replacement as well as a potential replacement for the towering Swede.
And, Brentford’s Yoanne Wissa is the man they’ve wanted from the start; however, since the Bees have already sold Bryan Mbuemo this summer, they would rather keep hold of Wissa.
Newcastle have made multiple bids for the attacker, but since the negotiations have dragged out for so long and Eberechi Eze is now going to Arsenal, Thomas Frank’s Tottenham have entered the race for the attacker.
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That is, according to a report from Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie, who shared the following via his personal X account.
“Yoane Wissa has repeatedly told Brentford hierarchy he only wants the Newcastle United move,” he wrote.
“The fact that Newcastle has a rich history with French African players (Demba Ba, Papiss Cisse, Hatem Ben Arfa) is a big draw for Wissa.
“I’m told the striker has his eyes set on the no.9 shirt at Newcastle.
“Newcastle had a £40m offer turned down today and now there’s interest from Spurs.”
Liverpool must figure out if they’re signing Alexander Isak
Although this latest news to emerge about Wissa has added yet another roadblock in the way of Liverpool’s dream transfer of Isak, it’s about time that the Reds start to face facts.
Ever since the start of the summer transfer window, Isak has been Liverpool’s dream target, and, although they may have made a £110million bid for him, they either need to put more money up or turn their attention elsewhere.
Other players, such as Rodrygo, have been linked with an Anfield switch, and while he’s not an out-and-out striker like Isak, he’s much more versatile and would give Slot yet another option on the wings.
Real Madrid attacker Rodrygo seen warming up for their FIFA Club World Cup game against PSG.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Hugo Ektike has started immensely at Liverpool, and it’s hard not to think about what would happen to the Frenchman if Isak were to join.
Of course, these are all just ifs, buts and maybes at the moment, but unless Liverpool figure out what they’re doing about Isak soon, they could be left rather light up front.