Liverpool are running out of time before they begin their Premier League title defence. The Reds kick off this Friday at Anfield against Bournemouth. But while the countdown to the first match is on, transfer drama is stealing the spotlight.
The hottest story right now? Newcastle striker Alexander Isak and a possible mega-money move to Liverpool.
Liverpool fans have been dreaming about Isak for weeks. But the latest updates suggest that the deal will only happen if two major conditions are met.
According to Luke Edwards of the Telegraph, Newcastle will only consider selling if they first sign two top-class forwards to replace him, and if Liverpool are willing to pay £150 million.
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Right now, both of those conditions seem unlikely. Still, the Isak saga is far from over.
Reports claim Isak even stopped training with Newcastle for a short time to push for a move to Liverpool. But after the Reds’ first offer, £110 million plus add-ons, was rejected, he returned to training.
Craig Hope, a reporter for the Daily Mail, revealed on the Whistleblowers podcast that Isak has been “unsettled for the best part of a year” and felt he deserved a better contract last summer.
Isak was scheduled for a face-to-face meeting with manager Eddie Howe after Newcastle’s pre-season tour of Asia. That meeting could decide the striker’s future.
Liverpool, meanwhile, have been active in the market. They have already brought in seven new signings this summer, but manager Arne Slot may not be finished yet.
The Reds have also been linked with Yoane Wissa of Brentford. Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie says Liverpool have shown “late interest” in Wissa, but the forward is still expected to sign for Newcastle instead.
All of this comes after Liverpool’s Community Shield disappointment at Wembley last weekend. They drew 2-2 with Crystal Palace but lost 3-2 on penalties.
New signing Hugo Ekitike gave Liverpool an early lead just four minutes in. But Crystal Palace equalised through a Jean-Philippe Mateta penalty after Virgil van Dijk fouled Ismaila Sarr.
Liverpool went ahead again when Jeremie Frimpong scored, but Sarr levelled the game late in the second half. Penalties followed, and Liverpool missed three spot kicks, Salah, Elliott, and Mac Allister, before Palace’s Justin Devenny scored the winner.
After the match, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk didn’t hide his frustration. Speaking to talkSPORT, he said:
“I hate losing… and my last two games at Wembley, not good. After Darwin and Lucho left, we need a new striker for sure this summer.”
Van Dijk’s words put even more pressure on the club to act in the transfer market. And right now, all eyes are on Isak.
Liverpool’s interest in the Swedish forward is no secret. The club believe he could be the perfect fit for Arne Slot’s attacking style. But Newcastle boss Eddie Howe isn’t ready to give up without a fight.
Speaking after Newcastle’s 2-0 friendly defeat to Atletico Madrid, Howe said:
“I think everything is in play. He’s contracted to us. The club makes the decision on his future. I want the best squad possible, but I also want players who want to be here.”
For now, Newcastle are still saying Isak is not for sale. But with the transfer window ticking down, Liverpool might test their resolve again.
The next few days could be decisive. Will Liverpool raise their bid closer to the £150m mark? Will Newcastle find replacements that make them willing to sell? Or will Isak remain a Magpie, unhappy but stuck?
Liverpool fans are holding their breath. The season opener is days away, and Van Dijk has made it clear: the Reds need a new striker, now.
