*Talks between Liverpool and Newcastle United to resume Friday over £130m-rated striker*
Alexander Isak has agreed personal terms with Liverpool, with a six-year contract settled on Thursday evening. While Newcastle United maintain their £130 million valuation of the Swedish striker, both clubs are expected to resume transfer discussions on Friday.
**Isak Omitted from Newcastle’s Pre-Season Tour as Liverpool Push Intensifies**
Newcastle forward Alexander Isak was left out of the club’s pre-season tour of Asia, heightening speculation surrounding his future following Liverpool’s recent approach.
Officially, Newcastle stated that Isak is recovering from a thigh injury and that medical staff advised against long-distance travel. However, the timing—coming just days after Liverpool’s inquiry—has sparked further rumours of a summer move.
Isak also missed the Magpies’ 4-0 friendly loss to Celtic in Glasgow. While he had been training in Austria with the squad, manager Eddie Howe explained post-match that he decided to send Isak home amid growing media attention.
> “It was my call,” Howe said. “He flew back with us to Glasgow, but given the speculation, I thought it best he return home. Watching from the stands wouldn’t have been fair on him.
> That said, he’s happy at Newcastle. He enjoys the club, the team, and the atmosphere. I believe he’ll still be with us when the window closes.”
Despite Howe’s confidence, Liverpool remain very interested in bringing Isak to Anfield. The Reds view him as a long-term option to lead their attack. Sources close to the player suggest he is open to the idea of joining the Premier League champions. Arsenal are also monitoring the situation, while Saudi side Al-Hilal have expressed interest.
Newcastle have insisted the striker isn’t for sale and hold firm on their price tag. Isak is currently under contract until 2028, and it would take a record-breaking bid—reportedly over £125 million—to open talks.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have already added Hugo Ekitike to their attacking ranks in a £79 million move—ironically, another forward Newcastle had been tracking. Yet the Reds still see Isak as a key addition to enhance their offensive depth.
Newcastle’s pre-season continues with fixtures in Singapore—where they face Arsenal—and in South Korea against the K-League All-Stars and Tottenham. Isak will not participate in any of these games.
