1 day ago
3
Potential PL transfer record
©TM/IMAGO
Liverpool have made an official approach to Newcastle United over Alexander Isak. The reigning Premier League champions, however, haven’t made an offer for the Swedish international, according to the New York Times. Newcastle’s stance is clear on their prized asset as they don’t want to lose Isak this summer as they prepare to return to the Champions League.
But Liverpool have communicated their interest to Newcastle that they are willing to make an offer in the region of €140 million. In a fascinating subplot, Liverpool will reportedly move for Hugo Ekitiké if they can’t secure a deal for Isak with Newcastle also in the market for the coveted Frankfurt striker this summer. As Transfermarkt reported last night, Newcastle are poised to make an offer for Ekitiké but Liverpool’s interest could scupper their deal - if they can’t get their main target.
Liverpool willing to break English transfer record for Alexander Isak
Liverpool have already been extremely busy in the transfer market this summer, completing the signings of three key first-team players in Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez. The Anfield club smashed their transfer record and the Premier League record to sign Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for an initial €125m fee, but that could rise to €150m - if add-ons are met. A potential €140m fee for Isak would surpass that total and take their spending this summer beyond the €350m mark. Newcastle’s stance on Isak, however, remains that he’s not for sale and they hope to convince the 25-year-old to pen a new contract at St James Park.
Negotiations are expected to begin in the coming days between the two Premier League clubs but Liverpool have identified Isak as their main target. It would require a record fee to prise the striker from Newcastle but Liverpool could offload Darwin Núñez and Luis Díaz to bolster their funds. Slot enjoyed a remarkable maiden season at Anfield, winning the Premier League and Isak's potential arrival would allow the Dutchman to field a formidable starting eleven. As the graphic above illustrates, Isak would start at centre-forward with fellow new signing Wirtz in midfield. Frimpong and Kerkez would occupy the fullback positions as Liverpool attempt to defend their Premier League crown.
