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Liverpool is still keen on Alexander Isak following an unsuccessful attempt to sign team-mate Bruno Guimaraes, despite offering $134 million. The Reds reportedly had their sights set on Guimaraes in 2023 but were rebuffed in their efforts.
Arne Slot's side has already seen its initial $148M bid for Newcastle frontman Isak rebuffed this summer. However, the Merseyside club remain undeterred as Isak continues to push for a move, firmly stating he has played his last match for the Magpies.
Jurgen Klopp was still in charge at Liverpool two years ago when it allegedly launched a nine-figure bid for Guimaraes. Despite being only 18 months into his stint at Newcastle, the midfielder drew significant interest after pushing Eddie Howe's side to a fourth-place finish in the Premier League.
However, Spanish newspaper AS reported the offer was quickly rejected, prompting Liverpool to look elsewhere. That summer saw midfielders Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo each join the Reds from Brighton, Bayern Munich and Stuttgart, respectively.
But with just over a week left in the transfer window, there's a possibility things might turn out differently regarding Isak. Even if the transfer doesn't come to fruition this summer, there's a sense Liverpool could swoop in to sign the forward in the future given his ties in the northeast have been severely strained.
Unlike with Guimaraes, Liverpool has no other targets in its sights and is determined not to abandon the pursuit. The Reds are reportedly optimistic about securing Isak's signature, either now or later down the line.
The Reds have already invested $93M in Hugo Ekitike, who has hit the ground running at Anfield with two goals in as many matches. However, Liverpool's interest in Isak was well-known prior to the Frenchman's arrival on Merseyside.
Earlier this week, Isak issued a statement expressing his wish to leave St. James' Park. The Swede pointed out "promises were broken" by Newcastle, alluding to the supposed gentlemen's agreement that he would be allowed to transfer this summer.
Newcastle quickly responded to that letter with a statement of its own, expressing its "disappointment" over its player's continued efforts to engineer a move away. The response also maintained that no club official had ever agreed that the player could leave this summer.
The statement read: "As explained to Alex and his representatives, we must always take into consideration the best interests of Newcastle United, the team and our supporters in all decisions and we have been clear that the conditions of a sale this summer have not transpired.
"We do not foresee those conditions being met. This is a proud football club with proud traditions and we strive to retain our family feel. Alex remains part of our family and will be welcomed back when he is ready to rejoin his team-mates."
Unlike the Guimaraes situation, the Isak saga has unfolded publicly over several months. However, with three years remaining on the striker's contract, Newcastle is not keen to part ways with such a vital player, particularly with limited time to find a suitable replacement.
This doesn't necessarily mean a deal is off the table, especially if Isak persists in his efforts to orchestrate a move. Yet it wouldn't be the first instance of Newcastle standing its ground to resist Liverpool's interest in one of its star players.
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