Liverpool’s Pursuit of Isak Not Over Yet as New Talks Set to Take Place

Isak wants Anfield, Liverpool want Isak

Liverpool’s long-running interest in Alexander Isak remains active, despite claims from some quarters that they were prepared to walk away from the deal. Talk of pulling the plug is “nonsense,” as Arne Slot retains a strong desire to bring the Newcastle striker to Anfield this summer.

Isak has privately made it clear he is ready for the next stage of his career, with ambitions to play Champions League football and compete for the game’s biggest honours. After three prolific seasons at Newcastle, where he established himself as one of the most clinical forwards in the Premier League, he views Liverpool as the ideal destination.

Liverpool have already submitted an opening bid worth up to £120m, including add-ons, but Newcastle swiftly rejected the offer. Their valuation remains at £150m, and they are not entertaining negotiations unless a suitable replacement is secured.

New talks on the horizon

Despite the initial rejection, Liverpool are undeterred. As reported by Julien Laurens, Isak has already held private conversations with Arne Slot, reinforcing the club’s intent and the player’s openness to the move. These quiet exchanges behind the scenes are often precursors to significant developments.

Keith Downie has now confirmed that Isak will speak with Eddie Howe once the Magpies return to training this week, with the outcome of that conversation expected to shape the next steps. Newcastle’s ongoing pursuit of Benjamin Sesko is a key factor. If they land the Slovenian striker, it would open the door for Isak’s departure.

Downie said, “Alexander Isak will meet with Eddie Howe when they return, Howe will likely be back in on Tuesday. Obviously, if Sesko comes in, that will allow Isak to go and then of course Liverpool will come back with an increased bid.”

He also dismissed the notion that Liverpool have reached their ceiling financially. “All this nonsense of ‘that’s Liverpool made their final bid.’ They’ve not made their final bid. There’s four weeks of the window to go, they’ve bid well under what Newcastle are wanting, of course they’re going to come back in. I know that’s the briefing but it all just feels like a game and a tactic at the moment.”

Waiting game and tactical patience

Fabrizio Romano offered a similar view, suggesting Liverpool are playing the long game. “Liverpool today presented their first official bid after the informal discussion they had more than two weeks ago with Newcastle for Alexander Isak,” he said.

Newcastle’s reply? “No thanks. Full stop,” Romano explained. “Newcastle didn’t say, ‘this is the price’. Newcastle didn’t say, ‘let’s negotiate again next week’. Newcastle didn’t say, ‘the player is untouchable’. Newcastle said no. Offer rejected. Stop.”

Romano added that this strong position from Newcastle is part of the negotiation dance. “Internally, Liverpool know that this is part of the game. It’s still the beginning of August. There’s still plenty of time to go before the end of the transfer window.”

Liverpool’s intent is clear: they’re serious, they’ve put real money on the table, and they’re waiting for the moment Newcastle blink. According to Romano, the Reds also “wanted to show to the player, okay, we are really ready… We are here. We are ready. We have the money. We are prepared to make something important.”

Isak’s position remains unchanged. He wants to leave. But Liverpool’s patience will only pay off if Newcastle secure the right successor.

Rising tension, rising offers

Craig Hope of the Daily Mail believes Newcastle expect a “much-improved approach” soon, with the two clubs scheduled for a new round of discussions early next week. That revised bid is likely to be in the region of £120m–£130m, pushing Liverpool closer to Newcastle’s valuation, but still short of the £150m asking price.

The shape of the deal may evolve, particularly around performance-related clauses or structured payments. Liverpool are renowned for sticking to their valuation thresholds, but also for navigating tense negotiations when the player’s desire is evident.

With four weeks of the window remaining, and Isak having made his preference clear, this deal is far from over. Slot wants his striker, Isak wants the move, and all eyes now turn to Newcastle’s replacement plans.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

This feels like the moment the club goes big again in the transfer market, matching the ambition shown in the Jurgen Klopp years. Isak is not just a name on a shortlist. He’s the one. The player who can elevate the front line with his movement, finishing and technical intelligence.

Supporters will be buzzing to hear about his private talks with Arne Slot. That’s a huge sign. It means the manager is already outlining his vision, his role, and probably the number on his shirt. For Isak to engage at that level, he clearly wants the move. And fans can sense when a player is genuinely sold on the project.

The idea that Liverpool would walk away was never going to stick. Slot, Hughes and Michael Edwards aren’t here to make gestures. They’re here to make statements. And a statement this summer looks like Alexander Isak in red.

Sure, £150m is massive. But you get what you pay for in the modern market, and Isak’s potential return on that investment could be huge. Goals, trophies, and a profile to match Liverpool’s ambitions under a new era.

This is the sort of chase supporters live for. The flirtation, the tension, the waiting game. But when it ends, and that announcement drops, it will feel worth every moment.