What Newcastle United insiders have now said about Alexander … Geordie Boot Boys

Alexander Isak to Liverpool has become one of the most talked about possible transfers of this summer and for good reason because it is the kind of deal that has everything from huge money to tense negotiations to emotional reactions from fans on both sides and the feeling that if it happens it could change the face of Liverpool’s attack for years to come. Right now the story is that Liverpool have made Isak their number one attacking target and they have already tested Newcastle United’s resolve with a huge bid said to be around £110 million which was turned down straight away by the Newcastle board who believe the Swedish striker is priceless for them because of his impact since arriving from Real Sociedad. That rejection however has not killed the move because Liverpool are not giving up and the talk around Anfield is that the recruitment team led by new manager Arne Slot is willing to push again and possibly even go higher if they feel it is the difference between having a title winning squad and falling just short in the new season.

The excitement around Isak comes from the fact that he has been in stunning form for Newcastle showing not just goals but an elegance on the ball that makes him stand out in the Premier League. He is tall quick intelligent with his movement and able to play through the middle or drift wide which is exactly the kind of flexibility Liverpool value in their attackers. With Mohamed Salah getting older and Darwin Nunez still unpredictable in front of goal Liverpool’s search for a reliable match winner has become urgent and many at the club believe Isak fits the bill perfectly. His age is also a big plus because at 25 he is entering his prime years and can lead the line for a long time giving Liverpool stability up front.

For Newcastle the decision is extremely difficult because they are backed by the wealth of the Saudi Public Investment Fund and so they do not need to sell for financial reasons but they also have to be careful with Premier League profit and sustainability rules which could force them to consider big offers for certain players if they want to strengthen in other areas. Eddie Howe sees Isak as central to his project and losing him now could seriously damage Newcastle’s ambitions of breaking into the top four again but the reality is that a £150 million bid from Liverpool might be impossible to refuse especially if the player himself becomes open to the move.

From Isak’s point of view the prospect of joining Liverpool would be huge because it offers him Champions League football the chance to compete for the Premier League title and the possibility of becoming a global star in one of the most famous red shirts in the world. At Newcastle he is already loved and respected but at Liverpool he would be in the spotlight every week playing in front of a global audience and linking up with world class teammates in a system designed to create chances. Arne Slot’s style of football which is quick aggressive and based on intelligent pressing could suit Isak’s game perfectly allowing him to combine his technical skills with his ability to finish from different angles.

The transfer itself however is not just about footballing fit but also about the politics and timing of the window. Liverpool’s owners FSG have shown in the past that they are willing to spend big when the right player becomes available but they are also known for being cautious and refusing to get into long drawn bidding wars. This is why some fans are nervous that if Newcastle dig their heels in too hard Liverpool could walk away and focus on other targets. That being said the fact that Liverpool have already tested the waters with a nine figure bid shows they are serious and the idea that they would stop at just one attempt seems unlikely especially with the season fast approaching and the need for fresh firepower obvious to everyone.

Another angle is how the move would affect other players in the Liverpool squad. If Isak arrives he would almost certainly take the central striker role which might push Nunez into a wide position or even onto the bench. That could create competition and possibly some frustration but it could also raise standards because every player would know that only top performances would keep them in the team. Cody Gakpo and Diogo Jota could also see their minutes impacted but they have shown they can adapt to different roles which might help Slot rotate and keep everyone fresh. For Salah the arrival of Isak might relieve some of the scoring burden and allow him to focus on creating and finishing without feeling like he has to do everything himself.