Liverpool Transfer Hopes Rest on Isak’s Next Move

Isak’s stand-off with Newcastle

Alexander Isak has become the focal point of this transfer window, his discontent at Newcastle spilling into public view after he accused the club of breaking “promises.” The Swedish forward has made clear his wish to join Liverpool, who saw a £110m bid turned down earlier this month.

Newcastle’s position, however, is equally clear. They will not entertain selling Isak unless their conditions are met, and with no ready-made replacement lined up, they remain reluctant to sanction a deal. That impasse leaves Isak facing a difficult choice, one which former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy has urged him to resolve swiftly.

Murphy urges Isak to focus on football

Speaking on talkSPORT, Murphy suggested that Isak may have little option but to stay put, even if it means swallowing his pride.

He explained: “I think it looks more likely that he’s gonna stay and Newcastle are gonna dig in. I think it looks more that way, mainly because they haven’t got a replacement. I think if they had got [Benjamin] Sesko [who instead joined Manchester United], maybe they would’ve contemplated Liverpool’s bid.”

Murphy continued: “Even if Liverpool go up a bit [with a follow-up offer], I don’t see how Newcastle can let him go when they’ve got nobody to play centre-forward. What’s he going to do? He’s got his World Cup year. He’s got to keep playing anyway to keep up the interest in him if he goes next summer. What choice have you got? You’ve got to play football. Even if you have to apologise, you have to hold your hands up, whatever it is, he’s got to play football.”

Liverpool’s window of opportunity

Murphy’s words carry weight. For Isak, a year in limbo would be damaging, not only for his relationship with Sweden ahead of the World Cup but also for his standing in the wider market. At the same time, Liverpool may sense vulnerability. Isak’s disillusionment with Newcastle’s failure to deliver on promises of squad investment could yet tilt negotiations.

Deadline pressure could force movement

With the clock ticking towards 1 September, the equation is stark. Newcastle do not want to be left short up front. Liverpool want Isak. The player wants Anfield. Something has to give. Whether that is Newcastle softening their stance or Isak patching up his strained ties in the North East remains to be seen. For Liverpool, the hope is that the pressure of the deadline finally breaks the deadlock.