Alexander Isak transfer news: Newcastle striker back at training ground after Liverpool bid of over £100m rejected

Liverpool’s interest in Alexander Isak marks one of the most dramatic transfer stories of the summer so far. The club made a massive £110 million bid for the Newcastle striker, only for it to be swiftly rejected. Isak, who had just returned to Newcastle’s training ground after time spent in Spain training at his old club Real Sociedad, has become one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe after his exceptional 2024/25 season in the Premier League, where he scored 23 goals — second only to Mohamed Salah. With Liverpool now looking to replace or complement their attacking options, especially with long-term planning beyond Salah and Nunez in mind, the Isak pursuit shows their serious intent to reinforce their squad.

The timing of the bid also adds to the drama. Isak was away from the club’s preseason tour of Asia, choosing to train in Spain, and that decision alone raised eyebrows. Newcastle manager Eddie Howe confirmed he only found out about Isak’s whereabouts through media reports. The situation paints a picture of a player who may be distancing himself from his current club, and when Liverpool’s offer came in, it was clear that things were already in motion behind the scenes. The offer reportedly included add-ons but did not reach the full £120 million valuation, far short of Newcastle’s firm stance that Isak is worth £150 million.

Newcastle’s response to the bid was not just a firm “no,” but also a hint at potential planning for life without Isak. The club reportedly submitted a £70 million offer for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko — a powerful and promising Slovenian international who has also drawn interest from Manchester United. This indicates Newcastle are open to selling Isak if they can bring in a suitable replacement quickly. Leipzig, for their part, confirmed several clubs had approached them for Sesko. The fact that Newcastle have already moved decisively for him could mean they’re bracing for an eventual departure of their Swedish talisman.

Liverpool’s interest in Isak is not surprising when one looks at the stats. Isak outperformed his expected goals and scored in a wide variety of ways — from close range finishes to long-range efforts, and was consistently able to create space in tight situations. He isn’t just a goal poacher but a complete forward who can link play, dribble, and create opportunities for others. His per-90 metrics across Europe’s top leagues place him in the elite bracket for forwards. It’s the kind of signing Liverpool could build their next attacking core around, especially with the future of some senior attackers uncertain.

From Newcastle’s perspective, they are walking a tightrope. They do not want to lose one of their best players, especially to a direct rival like Liverpool — whom they will face in the Premier League on August 25. But the pressure of Financial Fair Play and the potential opportunity to reinvest smartly makes any large bid at least worth considering. With Callum Wilson already having left the club and limited depth up front, selling Isak without a replacement lined up would leave them dangerously short. Will Osula is the only senior striker in their preseason squad right now.

What makes this situation even more complex is Isak’s own stance. Reports indicate that he is open to exploring options this transfer window, meaning he’s not entirely committed to staying at St. James’ Park. For a manager like Howe, this creates uncertainty — not just around team tactics and planning, but also dressing room morale. When one of your biggest stars appears disconnected, especially after skipping a team tour and going off the radar, it sends a message. Howe himself admitted to being out of the loop, which is never a good sign in high-stakes transfer dealings.

Meanwhile, Liverpool are in an aggressive rebuilding phase under new manager Arne Slot. Fresh off a 4-1 preseason win against Athletic Bilbao, the team looks confident, and a marquee signing like Isak would signal that they intend to challenge for major trophies this season. The Reds have money to spend, and they’ve clearly identified Isak as a priority target. Whether they are willing to go up to £150 million remains to be seen, but the opening bid was a clear declaration of intent.

What happens next will likely depend on several factors. First, whether Liverpool are willing to raise their offer closer to Newcastle’s valuation. Second, whether Newcastle are able to secure Sesko or another replacement quickly. And third, how strongly Isak pushes for the move. If he formally hands in a transfer request or makes his wishes known publicly, it could shift the power dynamics in negotiations. But for now, Newcastle are in control, and the next few weeks leading up to the Premier League season opener will be pivotal.

The Premier League fixture between Newcastle and Liverpool on August 25 is already a high-profile clash, but now it carries the weight of this transfer saga. If Isak is still a Newcastle player, how will fans react? Will he play? If he’s already moved, will he line up against his old team in Liverpool red? The storyline is packed with tension, speculation, and unpredictability — the hallmarks of a classic Premier League narrative.

Beyond Isak, Newcastle’s transfer window has been fraught with challenges. They’ve missed out on several other targets like Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, and Hugo Ekitike. Their attempts to sign Brentford’s Yoane Wissa also seem to have hit a dead end. With only a few weeks left before the window closes, the Magpies need to make quick, smart decisions. Losing Isak without quality reinforcements could derail their season ambitions.

Liverpool, meanwhile, have approached this summer window with strategic aggression. The club knows they need depth and quality to match the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal. Isak would be a statement signing — one that says Liverpool are not just rebuilding, they are reloading. If they do land him, it could trigger a domino effect across the league. Newcastle would need to act fast, and other clubs — like Manchester United — may jump in to compete for Sesko or other strikers suddenly on the market.

As the days go by, this story will continue to evolve. For now, Newcastle are holding firm, Liverpool are watching closely, and Isak is at the center of one of the biggest potential moves of the summer. Whether he stays or goes, his future is now tied to the direction of two ambitious Premier League clubs. The next bid, the next statement from Isak or Howe, and the next transfer domino will shape how this plays out. All eyes will be on St. James’ Park — and on Alexander Isak.