1 week ago
72
Liverpool looks to be stepping up its pursuit of Alexander Isak this summer, and the Reds might take some encouragement from the striker’s previous comments on the club.
Tuesday saw the biggest development yet after months of speculation linking Isak with a move to Anfield, with Liverpool making an approach to Newcastle. Although no formal offer has been made yet, an interest has been expressed in securing a deal worth $161 million (£120M).
The development came on a busy day of transfer activity, with the Reds rejecting an offer from Bayern Munich for Luis Diaz, while new interest emerged in Darwin Nunez and Ibrahima Konate.
It’s the potential deal for Isak that got Liverpool fans most excited though, and while Newcastle remains adamant that its star striker is not for sale, the Reds don’t look set to take no for an answer.
According to The Times, Newcastle is bracing itself for an official offer from Liverpool which could be in the region of $174M (£130M).
The Magpies are still holding out hope that Isak will sign a new contract at St James’ Park, with the striker’s agent said to have met with Eddie Howe at the club’s training ground this month.
However, if Liverpool was to press forward with its pursuit, Isak has previously declared a fondness for the Reds and Anfield that might come as some encouragement.
Picking his favorite grounds during an interview with Amazon Prime, he would show his commitment to his current club.
"There are not many places like St James’ Park," Isak said. "The atmosphere is very special and I think you can judge a stadium, not just on the atmosphere but how difficult it is to come as an away team.
“It’s a special place. I think people have a hard time coming to the stadium."
However, unprompted, he then also threw Liverpool into the mix.
“I’d say Anfield is probably up there as well," Isak added. "The atmosphere is really good - it’s probably the toughest away game.”
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Isak has also admitted he enjoys coming up against the Reds, with the striker having enjoyed his encounters against Liverpool last season, having scored at St James’ Park before striking in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley.
“I really enjoy the games against Liverpool, because I think they're not too different to ourselves, a high-pressing team and a direct team, which can lead to many counter-opportunities, and that's the game I like,” he told The Shields Gazette in March.
“I think I've had pretty good success before, I feel good and enjoy playing against them.”
There is of course still a long way to go before Liverpool boss Arne Slot can begin thinking about Isak being in his team next season, and Newcastle’s pursuit of Hugo Ekitike looks as though it could add a twist in the tale. Isak’s fondness for the Reds and their iconic stadium though might just be enough to encourage them that a deal is possible this summer.
English (US) ·