Liverpool Continue Pursuit of Isak as Ekitike Deal Nears Completion
Isak uncertainty deepens despite Newcastle insistence
Liverpool’s pursuit of attacking reinforcements has already produced headlines this summer, with Hugo Ekitike set to arrive in an £82 million move. Yet, as attention shifts to Alexander Isak, there is a growing sense that another major signing could still be in the works.
ESPN report that Liverpool remain keen on bringing the Newcastle forward to Anfield. Despite no formal bid yet being lodged, it is understood that contact has been made between the two clubs. The backdrop to these developments is Newcastle’s pre-season friendly against Celtic, in which Isak was a notable absentee.
“It was my decision,” said Eddie Howe when questioned post-match. “I decided to send him home due to the speculation around him. The last thing he wanted was to be sat in the stand watching, that wasn’t fair to him. But I’m confident he will be a Newcastle player.”
Howe’s words were carefully chosen. Confidence, yes, but not certainty. In modern football, especially when dealing with clubs as strategically assertive as Liverpool, that distinction matters.
Ekitike agreement reflects Liverpool’s bold strategy
The signing of Hugo Ekitike has already been described as a statement of intent. Securing the French forward on a six-year contract for a package worth up to £82 million reflects Liverpool’s aggressive stance in this transfer window.
It also explains why rumours around Isak refuse to fade. Some have suggested that the Reds would not move for both players. But this is a summer defined by ambition. Under Arne Slot, with a Premier League title to defend and Champions League football at Anfield, Liverpool are reshaping the squad in bold strokes.
Former Liverpool defender Steve Nicol told ESPN FC, “It makes no sense that Alexander Isak doesn’t take part in this game. Maybe he’s been told that something is going on and you can’t play him in case he gets injured, that’s what happens.”
He added, “If Isak plays against Celtic and gets injured, that’s £150 million down the drain. So, there’s definitely something.”
Newcastle’s stance firm, but pressure mounting
Newcastle’s position on Isak is clear. They do not want to sell. They have reportedly promised him a new contract that would elevate his current £120,000-a-week salary and reaffirm his importance to their project.
But amid the assurances, nuance emerges. Howe’s comments suggest concern over the timing and intensity of the speculation. Newcastle know what losing Isak would mean, not just symbolically, but competitively, especially ahead of their return to the Champions League.
Fabrizio Romano explained: “He knows very well that Newcastle want to keep him and he knows that Newcastle want to offer him a really important contract. At the same time, he knows that Liverpool would offer not just important money but an ambitious project, too.”
If Isak is truly open to the move, and Liverpool sense that, then this story has not yet reached its conclusion.
Key relationships could shape outcome
There is also a layer of familiarity that may influence events. Howe is known to retain a strong relationship with Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes, dating back to their time at Bournemouth. According to ESPN, the talks between clubs have been “very civilised,” a detail that suggests the lines of communication remain open.
This is not a saga marked by hostility. Instead, it is one where respect may allow progress, albeit slowly. For Liverpool, patience could be key. For Newcastle, the fear is that delay opens the door further.
Liverpool have made a habit in recent years of working quietly, but decisively. This summer, they have shifted gears. Ekitike may just be the start.
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This is the kind of summer we’ve been craving. After years of calculated transfers and financial restraint, to see the club operating with this level of decisiveness is exciting.
The Ekitike deal is massive. But the whispers around Isak take that excitement to another level. Here is a player who combines pace, technical quality and composure in front of goal. He is Premier League-proven and would offer something entirely different to the current attacking options.
Steve Nicol’s comments hit the nail on the head. You do not pull a player from pre-season duty unless there is a reason. Howe can talk about respect and speculation, but behind the scenes, it is clear that something has shifted. If Isak was untouchable, he would have played.
The fact that Liverpool are being so heavily linked, even after committing £82 million to Ekitike, speaks volumes. The club are not building for depth, they are building to dominate. And in Isak, they see a player who can take them there.
This is what ambition looks like. Long may it continue.
