Anthony Elanga Sends Strong Message to Liverpool as Newcastle Reject £125M Isak Bid

Newcastle United’s newest addition, Anthony Elanga, has made a bold statement that will resonate across the Premier League: Alexander Isak is going nowhere.  

The £55 million summer signing from Nottingham Forest has made it crystal clear, he’s desperate to keep linking up with his Swedish compatriot, calling him “one of the best strikers in the world.” 

Elanga’s passionate plea comes just days after Liverpool made a high-profile approach for the 25-year-old striker. But the reigning Premier League champions were swiftly rebuffed.  

Newcastle made it known that Isak, who’s under contract until 2028, is not for sale, unless someone coughs up a British-record £125 million. That stance seems to have worked wonders. 

Rather than entering a transfer tug-of-war with the Magpies, Liverpool are already moving on. Their attention has now shifted to French striker Hugo Ekitike, who has reportedly agreed personal terms with the Reds. Liverpool are now negotiating with Eintracht Frankfurt, who want around £86 million for the 22-year-old. 

Coincidentally, Newcastle had recently made a £70 million bid for Ekitike themselves. But with the young Frenchman favoring a move to Anfield, Newcastle now look set to keep their star striker, and Elanga couldn’t be happier. 

Speaking to Sky Sports from the club’s training camp in Austria, Elanga was glowing in his praise for Isak. “A player like Alex… everyone wants to play with Alex,” he said. “For me, he’s one of the best strikers in the world and having played with him at international level, I can really, really say that.” 

Elanga continued: “There are always going to be things and rumours around the world, but for me, he’s a top guy and a top player. From playing with him at international level and training with him now, it’s amazing.” 

The 22-year-old winger has just joined up with the Newcastle squad after sealing his £55 million transfer and is already pushing for Isak to be rewarded with a new improved deal. Sources at the club suggest Newcastle are working on a contract extension for the former Real Sociedad striker, who was instrumental in their impressive 2023/24 campaign. 

But it’s not just about Isak. Elanga also highlighted the depth and quality of Eddie Howe’s squad as a major reason for joining Newcastle. “If you look at this team and what they did last season, it played a huge part in me coming,” he said. 

“You look at the likes of Tino Livramento, Lewis Hall, Sven Botman, Fabian Schar, Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali… I could go through the whole team. What they did last season was amazing, having played against them home and away from Nottingham Forest.” 

With Newcastle standing firm and Liverpool pivoting their transfer strategy, Elanga’s dream of forming a deadly partnership with Isak in black and white may just become reality. And if the duo hits form, Premier League defences should be very, very worried.