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Liverpool may well be casting an interested eye over Alexander Isak this summer, but it isn’t the only club to have shown an interest in the striker over the past year.
Speculation over a potential move to Anfield growing for the Sweden international after it emerged that he wants to leave Newcastle this summer.
The Reds’ interest is already well documented, with an approach to the Magpies having been turned down earlier this month. Although Newcastle has been adamant that Isak is not for sale, there have been signs of that stance softening recently, which may offer Arne Slot and Richard Hughes some hope.
The 25-year-old was left out of promotional material for Newcastle’s new kit launch this week, despite reportedly having been involved in the photoshoot, while the Magpies are also being heavily linked with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, who may prove to be a replacement for Isak.
What’s more, recent rumors have suggested the striker has already agreed personal terms with Liverpool, while sporting director Hughes is claimed to be preparing an offer as the Reds look to step up their pursuit.
They’re not the only team to have shown an interest in Isak, though, and they’re also not the only side to have made an approach in the last 12 months.
According to The Athletic, Chelsea contacted Newcastle last year about the striker around the same time that Liverpool was entertaining a move for Anthony Gordon.
The Blues’ enquiries were quickly knocked back, but they came as a result of ongoing uncertainty over Isak’s future at St James’ Park.
The report claims that a new contract had been discussed with Isak’s camp by former co-owner Amanda Staveley before she left the club last July, and the player was happy to stay at that point.
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Those plans were soon postponed, though, after the arrival of Paul Mitchell as sporting director, with Newcastle having had to offload a number of players in order to comply with the Premier League’s PSR regulations.
Mitchell didn’t believe the club had the capacity to extend Isak’s contract, and given he still had four years left at that point, the decision was made to shelve talks over a new deal.
That decision, though, may have landed Newcastle in the position in which it currently finds itself, with it looking increasingly likely that it may be forced to let go of Isak if not this summer, then soon.
The Magpies had planned to open contract talks back up once their PSR standing had been strengthened, but with Isak’s head having seemingly been turned now, they may find it difficult to convince him to stay, and Liverpool may well be ready to pounce.
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