Could Liverpool lose Alexander Isak already?! Reds warned Barcelona will eye transfer when Robert Lewandowski leaves

In a story that has sent shockwaves through both England and Spain, Liverpool may soon face an unexpected battle off the pitch — a transfer storm involving their newest superstar, Alexander Isak. Barely a month after joining the Reds for a record-breaking £125 million from Newcastle United, the Swedish striker is already being linked with a sensational move away from Anfield. Reports from Spain claim that Barcelona have placed Isak on their radar as a possible replacement for their ageing talisman, Robert Lewandowski.

The news has left Liverpool fans stunned. How could their dream signing — a player brought in to lead Arne Slot’s new attacking era — already be the subject of transfer whispers? Yet, that’s the reality in modern football, where top players rarely enjoy peace from speculation, especially when the club chasing them wears the famous Blaugrana colors.

It all began when former Barcelona and Spain midfielder Gaizka Mendieta hinted that the Catalan giants are already planning for life after Lewandowski. Speaking to OLBG, Mendieta said: “There was talk in Spain of Alexander Isak going to Barcelona before he joined Liverpool, who are stronger financially. Of course, there will be links between the best strikers and Real Madrid and Barcelona. At the moment Barca still have Robert Lewandowski, but they’ll be looking for his replacement next year and Isak will be looked at.”

Those words carried weight, not just because they came from a respected voice in Spanish football, but because of the timing. Barcelona are reportedly preparing to part ways with Lewandowski when his current deal expires next summer. The Polish legend, who will be 37 by then, has scored over 100 goals in four seasons for Barca but is nearing the end of his incredible journey at Camp Nou. The club, facing financial struggles, are not expected to offer him a new contract. And so begins their hunt for the next great number nine — a hunt that could bring them to Merseyside.

Alexander Isak, just 26, has all the qualities Barcelona adore: elegance, composure, technique, and intelligence. He’s tall, quick, and clinical — a striker molded in the style of the greats. He’s also familiar with La Liga, having played for Real Sociedad before his move to Newcastle in 2022. During his time in Spain, he scored goals that earned him admiration across Europe. For Barca, signing him would be like bringing home a player they always believed belonged there.

But for Liverpool, this rumor could not have come at a worse time. Arne Slot is only just beginning to shape his new-look squad, and Isak was meant to be the crown jewel — the man to replace the fading influence of Mohamed Salah and lead the Reds’ next generation of attackers. Liverpool fought off competition from several European clubs to land him. The deal was massive — a British transfer record of £125 million — and was seen as a clear statement of intent from Fenway Sports Group. Yet, just weeks into his Liverpool journey, Isak’s name is already being linked to Barcelona.

It hasn’t been an easy start for the Swedish striker on Merseyside. He arrived late in the summer window after a tense standoff with Newcastle United. Isak had made it clear that he wanted the move, which angered Eddie Howe and led to his removal from first-team training. That fallout disrupted his pre-season preparations, and by the time he completed his transfer to Liverpool, he was short of full fitness and match rhythm.

Since then, he has made six appearances in all competitions, starting twice in the Premier League. His performances have shown glimpses of promise but also signs of a player still adjusting to a new environment, a new tactical system, and immense expectations. He has scored one goal in the Carabao Cup and provided an assist in the league — modest numbers for a player of his price tag, but understandable given the circumstances.

Liverpool supporters have been patient, recognizing that great players often take time to settle. Slot, too, has defended his record signing, saying that the adaptation process is natural. The Dutch manager has been working closely with Isak, refining his link-up play with Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz while trying to build an attack that mirrors the high-energy style that made Liverpool famous under Jurgen Klopp. Slot sees Isak not just as a poacher, but as a complete forward who can press, create, and lead by example.

But Barcelona’s interest has complicated the picture. Even before Isak has fully found his footing at Anfield, the thought of losing him has stirred anxiety among the Reds’ faithful. Mendieta’s words about Barca’s admiration for Isak echo sentiments that have been circulating in Spain for months. Barca’s recruitment team has reportedly discussed several names as long-term successors to Lewandowski, including Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez. Haaland, of course, remains the dream target for club president Joan Laporta. The Norwegian is under contract at Manchester City until 2034, earning an eye-watering £400,000 per week, yet Laporta’s obsession with him has not faded.

However, realistically, Barcelona may find Haaland’s transfer nearly impossible due to his contract and City’s financial strength. Julian Alvarez, now a star at Atletico Madrid, has also been mentioned, but Isak’s name keeps resurfacing because of his age, his experience in Spain, and his playing style. To Barcelona, he represents the ideal balance of youth, skill, and experience — the kind of forward who could carry their legacy into the next decade.

For Isak himself, the rumors are both flattering and frustrating. He is known to be ambitious, and like most top players, he grew up watching Barcelona dominate Europe with players like Messi, Xavi, and Iniesta. Playing for Barca remains a dream for many, but Isak’s current focus is on Liverpool. Sources close to him have said he wants to prove himself in England first, especially after the record-breaking fee that brought him to Anfield. Still, in football, loyalty can be tested quickly when giants like Barcelona come knocking.

The timing of these reports also adds another layer of tension. Isak is currently away on international duty with Sweden, and things have not gone well there either. The Swedes have endured a terrible start to their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, sitting bottom of their group with just one point from three games. They lost 2-0 to Switzerland last weekend, with both Isak and Viktor Gyokeres struggling to make an impact. For a player already under scrutiny at club level, that performance added pressure.

Sweden now face Kosovo on nday, and Isak is desperate to find the net and restore confidence — both for himself and for his country. The hope among Liverpool fans is that a strong performance for Sweden might help him regain his rhythm before returning to Merseyside for the massive Premier League showdown against Manchester United on October 19.

Meanwhile, Barcelona’s situation is evolving rapidly. Lewandowski continues to deliver, scoring four goals already this season, including a memorable brace against Valencia. But everyone in Catalonia knows the club needs a plan for the future. Financial restrictions mean they can’t just chase every superstar. They must be smart, targeting players who fit their system and are within reach. Isak fits that description perfectly — and that’s why Liverpool are suddenly on alert.

Inside Anfield, club executives are calm but aware. They know Barcelona’s history of long transfer pursuits. When the Catalan club wants a player, they rarely stop. It happened with Philippe Coutinho years ago — a saga Liverpool fans remember all too well. The Reds eventually sold the Brazilian for a record fee, but the fallout disrupted their momentum for months. They will not want history to repeat itself.

Arne Slot, for his part, remains focused on the present. He sees Isak as essential to Liverpool’s rebuild. Sources close to the club say the manager has already told the board that Isak is “untouchable” and part of his long-term vision. The plan is to build a front line capable of dominating English football again, and Isak is meant to be the centerpiece.

Still, the whispers will continue. In football, especially at the elite level, no player is ever completely off-limits. For Barcelona, the next year will be one of transition. When Lewandowski leaves, they will be desperate to bring in a big name to reassure fans and maintain global appeal. For Isak, that could mean another tug-of-war between clubs with deep history and ambition.

Liverpool supporters can only hope that their record signing finds peace, confidence, and goals in the weeks to come. They’ve seen this story before — a young star shines, Europe watches, and the transfer circus begins. But this time, they hope things end differently. They hope Isak becomes not another chapter in Barcelona’s transfer dreams, but the man who writes a new golden era at Anfield.

As the Premier League resumes, all eyes will be on Isak. Will he respond to the Barcelona rumors with goals and performances that silence the noise? Or will the allure of Spain one day prove too strong to resist?

For now, he remains a Liverpool player — the most expensive one in British football history — and the stage is set for him to show why he was worth every penny. The journey has just begun, but the story is already one of drama, expectation, and intrigue. And as history has taught us, when Barcelona’s shadow falls over Anfield, the battle for a player’s heart — and future — is never simple.