Liverpool fans were already expecting a busy summer, but few imagined it would get this dramatic. The club seems to have reached a verbal agreement to sell Darwin Núñez, but their hopes of replacing him with Newcastle’s star striker Alexander Isak may be falling apart.
In a whirlwind of transfer news, Saudi Arabian giants Al-Hilal are believed to be close to finalizing a deal for Núñez. Reports suggest they’ve struck a verbal deal with Liverpool, with the transfer fee reportedly around €70 million (£61 million). This could provide Liverpool with much-needed funds after a heavy summer of spending.
The original plan seemed simple: sell Núñez, buy Isak. But in football, things rarely go as planned.
Newcastle rejected Liverpool’s opening bid of £110 million for Isak. They’re holding out for at least £150 million, and even then, only if they find a replacement. Isak is not just a goal scorer, he’s the heart of Newcastle’s attack. And now, Liverpool’s dreams of signing him may be fading fast.
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Newcastle were counting on RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško to step in if they let Isak go. Two bids were sent to Leipzig, and the second one was reportedly accepted. But just as things were looking up, Manchester United swooped in.
Šeško chose the Red Devils over Newcastle. That decision may have doomed Liverpool’s chances of signing Isak, as Newcastle won’t let go of their star striker without a solid replacement. Now, with no Šeško deal, Isak is likely staying put.
While Isak’s future stays in England, Núñez may be heading to Saudi Arabia. Al-Hilal are in active talks with the Uruguayan forward to finalize personal terms. After a difficult season at Anfield — scoring just five Premier League goals — Núñez is hoping for a fresh start.
Other European clubs like Napoli and AC Milan were also linked to him earlier this summer, but the Saudi side seem to have jumped ahead in the race.
Isak did not travel with Newcastle’s squad for their pre-season tour of Asia, reportedly due to a thigh injury. But head coach Eddie Howe had a strong message when the striker returned to the North East.
“You have to earn the right to train with us. We are Newcastle United,” Howe said, quoted by Daily Mail. “No player can expect to act poorly and train with the group as normal.”
It seems like more than just fitness is being questioned here, possibly attitude or commitment amid swirling transfer rumors.
The two strikers had very different seasons. Núñez struggled at Liverpool, while Isak shone bright at Newcastle. The Swedish forward scored 27 goals in all competitions, including a key strike in the Carabao Cup final win against Liverpool. No wonder the Reds are desperate to bring him in.
But if Newcastle hold firm, Liverpool may have to look elsewhere, or risk going into the new season without a proven replacement.
With Núñez nearly out the door, Jurgen Klopp’s team must now make some bold decisions. The market is moving fast, and time is running out.
Liverpool still want Isak. But the price is high. And now that Šeško is out of the picture for Newcastle, the whole plan might collapse.
This twist-filled saga shows just how unpredictable the transfer window can be. Fans are watching closely, and the next few days could change everything.
