4 days ago
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Liverpool remains optimistic about securing the signature of Swedish forward Alexander Isak, despite strong resistance from Newcastle's Saudi Arabian owners.
Recent weeks have seen intense speculation surrounding Isak’s future, with the forward notably left out of Newcastle’s preseason tour in Asia and forced to train alone upon the squad’s return. The Reds have already had a $148 million bid for Isak turned down this summer. With Newcastle determined not to sell the 25-year-old striker, Isak is expected to remain a Magpies player when the transfer window closes on September 1.
On Saturday, it was claimed that the Sweden international reacted "furiously" upon being told he won’t be sold this summer. The report also states that Isak will not play for Newcastle until he accepts the board’s decision to keep him during this transfer window.
Isak has three years remaining on his current contract and has been informed that a new deal, including a release clause, will be negotiated once the transfer window closes in September.
The club recognizes there’s no point in discussing a wage increase right now, given the heightened emotions surrounding the situation.
Isak’s representatives are also said to have angered Newcastle’s hierarchy, who believe the player has received poor advice.
Multiple sources have strongly denied that any gentleman’s agreement existed for Isak to leave this summer, and the club insists they were never informed last season that Isak intended to make this his final year at Tyneside.
There is also frustration over Liverpool’s approach, with confusion surrounding their bid last week, which fell far short of Newcastle’s $202 million valuation. It remains unclear whether Liverpool is ready to walk away this summer.
Considering Isak’s current mindset, the club may still see an opportunity to test Newcastle’s resolve with another British record offer. However, it has been widely reported that the Reds won't submit another bid without the Magpies opening the door.
If the Reds are willing to wait to secure Isak, the club could secure the 25-year-old for a lower price in the future if a release clause is negotiated.
Newcastle, meanwhile, now faces the challenge of managing a disgruntled player and will be without its top goalscorer at the start of the Premier League season.
Arne Slot’s team has invested heavily in new signings in recent months, strengthening their defense with Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez, before smashing the British transfer record to secure Florian Wirtz.
Liverpool is set to pursue a new No. 9 after agreeing to sell Darwin Nunez to Al-Hilal. This summer, the Reds have already secured Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt, although the French forward can also operate in wide attacking positions.
Ekitike had been a target for Newcastle before Liverpool acted, and the Magpies are still actively searching for forwards themselves, including a high-profile pursuit of Benjamin Sesko, who eventually opted to join Manchester United.
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