Liverpool are reportedly preparing a Premier League-record offer of £130million for Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, according to sources cited by Football Insider. While the Reds have denied that an official bid has been placed for the Swedish forward, it’s believed that preliminary discussions have taken place following Florian Wirtz’s £100m transfer to Anfield [BBC Sport].
Isak, who has 62 goals in 109 games since joining Newcastle, has long been a target for the Premier League’s defending champions. Liverpool’s keen interest can be explained by this outstanding record, particularly following a season in which the team won the league title but disappointed some supporters with early eliminations from the FA Cup and the Champions League.
Newcastle is in a challenging position with Isak, as he has been on a comparatively lower salary than he could command elsewhere for the past year. Talks regarding a new contract for the 25-year-old were reportedly paused last year, and there’s considerable concern among fans about the lack of progress on that front. Manager Eddie Howe seems to be contemplating life without Isak, having seen a £70million bid for 23-year-old Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt rejected.
As for Liverpool, manager Arne Slot has been active in revamping the squad after a successful era under Jurgen Klopp, adding several promising players to his lineup. Given that neither Darwin Nunez nor Luis Diaz has been able to hold onto the center-forward position over the last few seasons, acquiring Isak might complete his vision for the team.
Last month, Dan Plumley told Football Insider that Liverpool is in a position to fund a big deal for Isak this summer, and it appears like the assumption is coming true. Although Newcastle is adamantly opposed to selling, it is unknown if they will accept £130 million for their top player. Nevertheless, it might be hard to turn down such a generous offer this summer.
