Liverpool Weigh Strategic Gamble to Land Alexander Isak
Isak deal top of the agenda for Liverpool’s summer business
Liverpool’s transfer approach this summer appears increasingly calculated as the club explore an audacious strategy to secure the services of Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak. With Arne Slot settling into his new role and the Reds already flexing financial muscle through the £116million signing of Florian Wirtz, attention now turns to the centre-forward position — and Isak has emerged as a leading candidate.
Sources close to negotiations suggest that Newcastle, fresh from sealing Champions League football, remain reluctant to entertain offers for their Swedish talisman. However, Liverpool are considering a tactical manoeuvre that could improve their standing with the Magpies — one that involves walking away from a parallel pursuit of Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi.
Guehi links could become leverage in Isak negotiations
Marc Guehi, capped 23 times by England and attracting widespread interest, is in the final year of his contract at Selhurst Park. Palace reportedly value the 24-year-old at £70million, though initial bids in the region of £45million may be sufficient to tempt the Eagles into talks. Yet despite the interest, Liverpool may be willing to step back from their interest in the centre-back.
Both Newcastle and Liverpool have been monitoring Guehi’s situation. But reports indicate that Guehi is prepared to run down his deal and assess his options next summer. That possibility presents an opportunity for Liverpool to de-escalate their pursuit, allowing Newcastle a clearer path to the defender.
The thinking behind this, according to Sam Smith in The Express, is subtle but strategic. Should Liverpool withdraw from the Guehi conversation, it could be interpreted as a gesture of goodwill — one that might soften Newcastle’s stance on negotiations surrounding Isak.
Slot’s squad building guided by surgical upgrades
Arne Slot’s first transfer window has shown early signs of precision. Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz represent significant upgrades in key positions, but Liverpool’s front line remains a work in progress. Despite a Premier League title-winning campaign, the centre-forward department lacked consistent output in decisive moments. The addition of a proven striker such as Isak — whose physicality, technique and finishing suit Slot’s system — would offer a clear upgrade.
With Ibrahima Konaté expected to remain the long-term partner for Virgil van Dijk, central defence is not viewed as a critical area. That view makes it plausible that Liverpool could tactically sideline their pursuit of Guehi, not out of disinterest, but as part of a broader game plan.
Newcastle’s stance on Isak remains firm — for now
Any deal for Isak would likely demand a fee upwards of £100million. Newcastle are well aware of the value of the 24-year-old, who was instrumental in their Champions League return and remains one of the most coveted strikers in the Premier League. But should Liverpool present themselves as helpful negotiators — particularly by vacating the Guehi pursuit — it could create a more favourable atmosphere for discussions.
Whether Newcastle will entertain such subtleties remains to be seen. But Liverpool are not new to strategic positioning in the transfer market. In a window where rivals such as Arsenal and Manchester City are aggressively strengthening, the Reds appear to be choosing diplomacy and precision over brute force.
As the summer unfolds, the coming weeks could reveal whether this calculated approach bears fruit — and whether Alexander Isak is indeed Anfield-bound.
