Paul Joyce has reported that Liverpool are willing to make a significant financial push to sign Alexander Isak this month, though they may not meet Newcastle United’s steep valuation of the striker.
An initial £110 million offer from Liverpool was rejected by Newcastle (via The Athletic), with the Magpies said to be holding out for a £150 million fee (Keith Downie).
Isak, 25, has recently been isolated from the main squad by manager Eddie Howe—training alone and missing a team bonding session on Wednesday. According to journalist Lee Ryder, Liverpool could return with another offer in the near future.
What did Joyce say about Liverpool’s pursuit of Isak?
Speaking on Off The Ball, Joyce explained that although Liverpool are serious about signing the Swedish forward, Newcastle’s lack of progress in signing a replacement could prevent them from agreeing to a deal.
Joyce, the northern football correspondent for The Times, said:
> “Until Newcastle sorts out their own incoming transfers, it complicates Liverpool’s chances of signing Isak. I just don’t see how they could sell their best player from last season—someone who helped them qualify for the Champions League and win the Carabao Cup—without bringing in adequate reinforcements first.”
He added that while Liverpool are ready to spend, they may not be willing to meet the full £150 million asking price, as they might not view that figure as a fair valuation.
Liverpool may need a few things to go their way
While Benjamin Sesko’s apparent preference for a move to Manchester United doesn’t directly impact Liverpool, it could have a knock-on effect—potentially making Newcastle less open to selling Isak if they miss out on their top replacement target.
This reflects how interlinked modern transfer activity is, with one club’s deal often depending on another’s moves.
It’s no secret that both Liverpool and Isak are keen on making the move happen. However, unless Newcastle agree to sell, nothing can progress.
Joyce is likely correct in suggesting Liverpool won’t go as high as £150 million, even in a window where they’ve both generated funds through sales and invested heavily in new signings.
Sporting director Richard Hughes will still be pushing to secure the deal, but it may ultimately depend on the wider transfer landscape shifting in Liverpool’s favour.
In the meantime, another offer from Anfield seems likely, and all eyes will be on Newcastle’s response when it arrives.