Alexander Isak ‘gives green light’ to start talks to leave Newcastle as Liverpool door open…

Alexander Isak has reportedly ‘given the green light’ to initiate discussions regarding his departure from Newcastle, with Liverpool showing interest.

Liverpool is keen on acquiring Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak for a transfer fee of £120 million.

Reports indicate that Alexander Isak has authorized his agent to explore the possibility of leaving Newcastle United.

As per Foot Mercato, the striker is receptive to leaving the Magpies following Liverpool’s expression of interest earlier this week.

Isak scored 27 goals for Newcastle during the 2024-25 season. He played a crucial role in the 2-1 victory over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final, which marked the end of the Magpies’ 70-year wait for a significant trophy, and contributed to their fifth-place finish in the Premier League, securing a spot in the Champions League.

Eddie Howe’s team is determined that their star player will not depart during the summer transfer window.

Isak is viewed as Liverpool’s ideal centre-forward target, as Arne Slot’s team aims to strengthen this position in the upcoming transfer window. Earlier this week, the Reds informed Newcastle of their willingness to negotiate a deal for £120 million.

Liverpool has also shifted their focus to Hugo Ekitike of Eintracht Frankfurt, with Newcastle having bids turned down, but they remain interested in signing Isak if he becomes available.

Interest from Saudi Arabia in Isak.

The Swedish international has three years left on his contract with Newcastle. Nevertheless, he continues to be associated with a potential exit, with Saudi Arabia emerging as a possible destination.

Foot Mercato reports that Al-Hilal has shown interest in Isak, having struggled to secure Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen.

The report indicates that Isak is ‘open to a move to Saudi Arabia,’ especially with former Inter Milan manager Simeone Inzaghi now at the helm of Al-Hilal.

Al-Hilal is backed by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, which also owns Newcastle.

Liverpool’s door remains ajar

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano shared insights on Liverpool’s prospects of acquiring Isak during his YouTube broadcast: “The situation has always been transparent. Liverpool informed Newcastle of their intention to propose £120 million.

“Newcastle has shut the door, as they wish to retain the player. However, if Newcastle decides to reconsider and sell the player to Liverpool, the club is still receptive to that possibility. He is the ideal target. For now, there are no significant developments, so we must remain patient. Newcastle holds firm to their position, which deserves respect, but Liverpool has not bid farewell to Newcastle yet.”

Liverpool is looking to strengthen their striker position, even after winning the Premier League title comfortably last season.

Nunez only started eight matches on the journey to securing the club’s 20th English championship and scored just seven goals across all competitions.

After three inconsistent years since his transfer from Benfica for a potential £85 million, Nunez might leave Anfield.

Napoli expressed interest in signing the Uruguayan international but reportedly backed off due to Liverpool’s asking price of £51 million.

Instead, the Serie A champions have opted to sign Lorenzo Lucca from Udinese.

Luis Diaz can function as a false number nine, yet he is better suited for the left wing and faces an uncertain future. Diaz is in demand from Bayern Munich and Barcelona, with Bayern having a £58.5 million offer turned down.