Alexander Isak’s Future in Chaos as Liverpool and Al Hilal Launch Stunning Bids in £120m+ Transfer Twist

In one of the most unexpected turns of the 2025 summer transfer window, the future of Newcastle United star striker Alexander Isak has been thrown into chaos. For weeks, all eyes were on Arsenal and Liverpool, with both clubs rumored to be circling around the Swedish international. But just when it looked like the Gunners or Reds might close in, a completely unexpected club has entered the race—and they’re armed with shocking financial firepower.

Alexander Isak’s name has been dominating the headlines this summer. The 25-year-old forward, fresh off a sensational Premier League campaign where he netted 23 goals in 34 appearances, was already being considered one of the most complete and clinical strikers in England. It was no surprise, then, that several of Europe’s biggest clubs had been monitoring his situation at St James’ Park.

Liverpool, in particular, were believed to be preparing a massive bid. New manager Arne Slot reportedly sees Isak as the crown jewel in his rebuild of the Reds’ attack. A striker who can combine technical brilliance with raw finishing power, Isak would provide Liverpool with a new spearhead up front, especially as the club prepares for life after the likes of Mohamed Salah and potentially Darwin Nunez.

Recent reports claimed Liverpool were ready to break the British transfer record and submit a bid north of £120 million for the Swede—a staggering fee that instantly became the talk of the football world. It seemed only a matter of time before the Reds made their formal approach and tried to tempt Newcastle into selling one of their most prized assets.

Despite the enormous financial offer reportedly on the table, the Magpies stood firm. Club insiders made it clear that Isak was considered “untouchable” this summer. Eddie Howe, who has built a dynamic and dangerous Newcastle side around Isak’s pace, finishing, and flair, was understood to be unwilling to sanction the sale under any circumstances. Newcastle’s refusal to enter negotiations only added to the mystique and tension surrounding Isak’s future. And then, just when things looked like they had reached a standoff, came the twist nobody saw coming.

According to a report from highly respected Sky Sports journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Saudi Pro League giants Al Hilal have now entered the race to sign Alexander Isak. The shock interest from the Middle East has stunned the football community—and it’s a move that could change everything.

Al Hilal’s involvement is no small matter. The Saudi club, already home to world-class talents and led by ambitious manager Simone Inzaghi, is reportedly ready to match or even exceed the financial offer Liverpool are planning. Al Hilal are said to be prepared to offer Newcastle and Isak an eye-watering sum to convince both parties to agree to the deal.

Manager Inzaghi is a known admirer of Isak’s style of play. Sources claim that he sees the striker as the ideal figure to lead Al Hilal’s attack, bringing European flair and pace to the Saudi giants’ already star-studded team. Inzaghi believes Isak could dominate the Saudi league while continuing to grow into one of the best strikers in world football.

What makes the story even more jaw-dropping is the fact that both Newcastle and Al Hilal are owned by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF). On paper, such a deal could be seen as simply moving a player between two clubs under the same umbrella. However, early indications suggest that this **would not be a problem**. PIF, it seems, would treat any negotiations as arms-length business, and there are currently no legal or structural barriers that would prevent the move from happening

From the outside, he’s remained calm. In interviews, he’s said his only focus is on playing for Newcastle and helping the team succeed. In a recent chat with *Fotboll Skanalen*, Isak insisted, “From within the club and from our side there are absolutely no discussions. It’s just full focus on playing for me.” But it’s hard to believe there isn’t at least some behind-the-scenes interest being shown toward these offers.

This sudden twist has left Liverpool stunned, and Arsenal frustrated. The Gunners had been tracking Isak for over a year. Manager Mikel Arteta believed the striker could be the final piece of his title-challenging puzzle. And Liverpool saw him as the man to lead them into a new era. But now, both clubs are facing the very real possibility of losing him—not to each other—but to the Saudi Pro League.

Al Hilal’s offer is expected to include not only a massive transfer fee but also a record-breaking salary for Isak. While Newcastle may be tempted by the cash injection, the decision could ultimately lie with the player. Isak must now consider whether to remain at Newcastle and continue his impressive rise in the Premier League, move to one of the English giants chasing him, or take the leap into a new chapter in Saudi Arabia. It’s a difficult choice, and one that could define his career.

Critics have already begun weighing in. Some believe that if Isak chooses Al Hilal, it would be a move for money rather than ambition. Others argue that the Saudi Pro League is quickly becoming a serious footballing destination, with top managers and players joining every transfer window. And for Newcastle, losing Isak—even to a PIF-owned club—could be a devastating blow to their project under Howe.

In just a matter of days, the Alexander Isak transfer saga has gone from exciting to explosive. What once looked like a two-horse race between Arsenal and Liverpool is now a three-way battle with massive financial implications.

For Liverpool, this could derail their entire summer plan. They’ve been preparing to land Isak as their marquee signing—perhaps even adjusting their budget and scouting targets around him. If they lose out to Al Hilal, they may need to go back to the drawing board with very little time left before the season starts. For Arsenal, the story is even more bitter. They’ve needed a striker since last summer. Missing out on Isak now, after months of planning, could be seen as a huge failure of execution—especially if he ends up leaving Europe altogether.

Well, things are more complicated. They are owned by the same people bidding for their best player. So the question remains: can they truly say no if the right price is offered, especially when it’s coming from a club within their own family of teams

With the transfer window still open and multiple clubs ready to push boundaries, Alexander Isak’s future is officially up in the air. One decision, one conversation, one phone call could be all it takes to flip the story again. Will he stay and become a Newcastle legend? Will he join Liverpool and fight for Premier League and Champions League titles? Or will he shock the world and accept the riches of Al Hilal, joining the Saudi football revolution?