Liverpool are ready to launch a record-breaking £130 million offer for Alexander Isak, and Fabrizio Romano has provided fresh updates on Newcastle’s position in the ongoing transfer saga.
Isak has already reached a verbal agreement on personal terms with Liverpool and is determined to secure a move to Anfield before the September 1 transfer deadline. However, Newcastle swiftly rejected Liverpool’s opening bid of £110m plus add-ons, publicly insisting that their star striker is not for sale. Despite this, their search for multiple strikers suggests they may be preparing for life without the Swedish international.
Tensions between club and player have escalated further, with Isak reportedly declaring that he will not play for Newcastle again, even if he remains at St. James’ Park after the window closes.
Lee Ryder of The Chronicle has argued that, from a financial standpoint, it would be unwise for Newcastle to turn down a £130m offer. TEAMtalk has also reported that such a bid from Liverpool is imminent. A resolution is expected soon, potentially after Newcastle’s Premier League clash with Liverpool on Monday night.
According to Romano, Newcastle still hold the upper hand in the negotiations. Speaking on his YouTube channel, he revealed that the Magpies expect Isak to return to training once the match against Liverpool is over. “This game could be decisive,” Romano explained. “From Tuesday onward, we’ll know whether Isak will push through his move to Liverpool or remain with Newcastle. Internally, the club is optimistic they can convince him to resume training.”
Liverpool remain firm in their pursuit of the striker but acknowledge that the outcome lies entirely in Newcastle’s hands. Isak wants the move, Liverpool are ready to meet the financial demands, but it is Newcastle who ultimately control the decision. Romano also stressed that Newcastle’s technical staff remain hopeful of reintegrating him after the Liverpool game.
The broader belief this summer is that Newcastle would only consider selling Isak if they can secure at least two new strikers. With Callum Wilson already gone, their need for reinforcements is pressing.
So far, the Magpies have faced multiple setbacks. They have agreed personal terms with Yoane Wissa, but Brentford are demanding £50–60m, well above Newcastle’s £40m offer. They are also pursuing Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson and Atletico Madrid’s Alexander Sorloth, while Wolves’ Jorgen Strand Larsen, PSG’s Goncalo Ramos, and Porto’s Samu Aghehowa remain on their radar.
For Liverpool, the approach is clear: if they fail to land Isak now, they will not switch to a cheaper backup option. Instead, the club plans to return for him in January, echoing the strategy they used in 2017 with Virgil van Dijk. Back then, Liverpool refused to compromise after missing out on their top target in the summer and eventually secured him in the following window — a move that proved decisive for the club’s success.
