Alexander Isak’s transfer drama has taken a shocking new twist. The Newcastle United striker released a fiery statement on Instagram this week, making it clear he wants to leave Tyneside. But while fans thought a Liverpool move was close, one missing detail in his message is the real reason this mega transfer has stalled.
Isak accused Newcastle of breaking promises made to him. He said leaving the club was “the best thing for all parties.” His words set the football world on fire, but the silence around one key point has left Liverpool stuck.
That silence? The true asking price.
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand broke it down on his Rio Presents YouTube channel. He explained that Liverpool’s first bid of £110 million was rejected earlier this month. Newcastle, it seems, want much more.
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Ferdinand asked: “The question is, is he worth more than that? Do Newcastle value him more than that? And if they do, how much more? Because that’s where a player feels he’s being priced out of the market.”
The ex-England star went further, comparing Isak’s situation to other summer transfers. “If Newcastle’s price is £140m or £150m, is that realistic? Is that £30m or £40m more than someone like [Florian] Wirtz? If so, Liverpool won’t meet that asking price. And Isak has to accept that.”
But here’s where it gets even more complicated: a so-called “gentleman’s agreement.”
According to Ferdinand, Isak may have been promised an exit clause by Amanda Staveley before she left Newcastle’s ownership group. Ferdinand suggested that Liverpool met that price — but the new regime simply doesn’t recognize the deal.
He explained: “The promise wasn’t with the club, it was with that individual. She’s gone. The new owners are saying, ‘That promise doesn’t exist anymore.’ And Isak’s fuming.”
If true, this would mean Liverpool thought they had a pathway to sign Isak, only to find themselves blocked by Newcastle’s boardroom politics.
Ferdinand didn’t hold back in blaming the club for poor communication. “This should have been dealt with months ago, not in the middle of the transfer window. Now, everything’s public. Dirty laundry is out. That’s where it’s gone wrong.”
The saga has already reached breaking point. Reports claim Isak has told Newcastle he will never play for them again, even with three years left on his contract. His camp believes trust has been destroyed.
Liverpool, however, seem to be hesitating. After their rejected £110m offer, the Reds have shifted focus. They just signed centre-back Giovanni Leoni from Parma for £26m and are chasing Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace.
But the Merseyside club knows time is running out. Transfer Deadline Day is less than two weeks away. Will they go back with an improved offer for Isak? Or will they walk away completely?
The pressure is now on all sides. Newcastle risk losing their star striker’s loyalty, Liverpool risk missing their top attacking target, and Isak risks being stuck in limbo at a club he no longer wants to play for.
This drama shows how powerful, and dangerous, verbal agreements can be in football. Isak believed he had a way out. Newcastle’s new bosses don’t see it that way. And Liverpool are caught in the middle.
For fans, this is more than just a transfer story. It’s a battle of promises, power, and pride. And the outcome could shape Liverpool’s season, and Newcastle’s future.
As of now, one question remains: Will Liverpool pay the massive price? Or will Isak’s brutal stand-off force Newcastle to cave?
Football’s eyes are firmly locked on St. James’ Park. The clock is ticking.
