Reports have surfaced detailing Alexander Isak’s reaction after Liverpool secured the signing of Hugo Ekitike before making their move for him.
Liverpool’s Striker Dilemma: Ekitike Before Isak
In the build-up to the summer transfer window, speculation around Anfield suggested that the Premier League champions were looking for one more world-class striker to complete their attacking setup. Their first target was Alexander Isak, but Newcastle United quickly shut down any possibility of a transfer, making it clear their star forward was not for sale.
With that option closed, Liverpool shifted their focus. The Reds turned to Hugo Ekitike and, in July, completed a £69 million deal for the French striker. The signing triggered immediate debate: did this end Liverpool’s pursuit of Isak, or was it simply the first step in a bigger plan?
Behind the scenes, however, the situation began to change. According to The Athletic, Isak’s demeanor at Newcastle noticeably shifted once news of Ekitike’s arrival broke. Having just joined his teammates on their pre-season trip to Austria, the Swedish striker suddenly appeared unsettled.
When Newcastle played Celtic in a friendly shortly after, Isak was sidelined with what the club described as a “minor injury.” Still, many questioned the timing — was it truly a precaution, or an early sign that Isak was already considering a move to Anfield?
Isak’s Breaking Point and Liverpool’s Record Deal
As Newcastle’s pre-season unfolded, tensions only deepened. Isak did not travel with the squad for their next tour, with the club maintaining he was still nursing a thigh problem. Yet, behind closed doors, it became clear that the striker’s commitment to the Magpies had wavered.
The saga reached its dramatic conclusion on deadline day. Liverpool shattered the British transfer record for the second time in the same summer, finalizing a massive £125 million deal for Isak — a fee that could rise to £130 million with add-ons.
Upon signing a six-year contract at Anfield, Isak was immediately handed the prestigious number nine shirt, underlining the central role Jürgen Klopp has envisioned for him.
For Newcastle fans, the move felt like a painful betrayal. For Liverpool, it was the statement signing they had been chasing all summer — and the ultimate victory in their striker search.
