The summer transfer window is nearing its end, and with it comes the end of speculation, emotion and frustration that typically defines this period. But one transfer saga stands out completely: Liverpool’s pursuit of Alexander Isak. Following Newcastle United’s agreement to sign Nick Woltemade from VFB Stuttgart, the dominoes are finally beginning to fall. After months of interest and negotiation, Liverpool are ready to bring Isak to Anfield, and they will move quickly to do so.
It’s a move that should have happened earlier. Everyone but Newcastle and their supporters could see it coming. Now, Liverpool are poised to return with a second bid, this time expected to reach the £130 million mark, after an initial £110 million offer was flatly rejected. But circumstances have shifted. Newcastle’s inability to convince Isak to stay, broken promises over his contract, and the purchase of a new record-fee striker all point towards the Swedish forward’s exit. This is past the stage of speculation.
Liverpool’s Patience Could Pay Off
Liverpool have played the long game. Many rushed to declare the deal dead earlier in the window, scoffing at the idea that Newcastle United would ever part with their star forward. But behind the scenes, Liverpool were waiting. Respectfully, they paused further negotiations until Newcastle lined up replacements. With Woltemade now preparing for his medical and the club also targeting other forwards like Yoanne Wissa, the writing is very much on the wall.
What has made this situation difficult is not just the complexity of the deal, but the narrative surrounding it. Some within the media, undoubtedly swaying their rhetoric to appease a certain fanbase, pushed a misleading idea that Isak was immovable.
Isak’s desire to play for Liverpool is obvious and his actions have spoke volumes. Now Liverpool must repay that and agree a fee with Newcastle.
This Move Makes Footballing and Emotional Sense for Liverpool
Arne Slot’s Liverpool side, fresh from a Premier League-winning campaign, are evolving. Signing Alexander Isak is not a short-term flex. It’s a vision for the next five years, alongside the arrival of Hugo Ekitike.
Unlike the erratic output of Darwin Núñez or the inconsistent flashes from Luis Díaz, Isak brings goals, link-up play and positional discipline. There’s tactical intelligence in his movement. He drifts wide when needed, links midfield to attack with maturity and finishes chances with clinical ease.
Whilst Isak’s behaviour has been rather unsavoury to some, his desire to play for the mighty Reds has fans inevitably excited.
Newcastle United Had Every Right, But The Timing Was All Wrong
Let’s be clear, Newcastle were within their rights to dig their heels in. Losing a player of Isak’s calibre is a blow for any club. Their fans have backed the team passionately and defensively throughout this saga, and that loyalty is admirable. But in their attempts to cling on, they may have misjudged the reality of the market.
Once you make promises to a player about project ambition, European success and squad strengthening, you have to deliver. When you fail to live up to that, and a bigger club comes calling, players will listen. And if you drag out the exit, you lose leverage.
Had Newcastle accepted the reality of Isak’s likely departure earlier, they may have been able to attract a higher quality replacement than Woltemade. Now, with time against them, they’re rushing to finalise a solution. It's not ideal for them, and it could’ve been better handled. But they’ve held firm. Now the challenge is to reinvest the windfall wisely.
As for Liverpool, they bid for a player who wanted to leave his club. That bid was rejected and they were told not to bid again until replacements were sourced and they obliged. Some supporters from both clubs have been rather insufferable throughout this, which hasn’t helped the situation, but it will all be wrapped up soon.
Isak Has Everything to Succeed at Liverpool
When Alexander Isak finally pulls on the red shirt at Anfield, he will do so as a player primed to shine. He is arriving at the right club, under the right manager, at the right time. And he is walking into a dressing room that has just conquered England.
Slot’s system is dynamic and fluid, demanding positional intelligence and mobility from his forwards. Isak is capable of that. He can rotate with the second striker, drop into midfield, stretch defences or occupy the box. His presence allows Liverpool to become tactically unpredictable again.
There’s also the bigger picture. Liverpool’s decision to part ways with Nunez and Diaz this summer raised eyebrows, but it was part of a larger plan. One that involved opening the door for a more efficient, consistent front line. Isak is the centre piece of that puzzle.
Some may resist the idea of this deal going through, and there will be noise. Arsenal fans in particular have long admired Isak and were once linked. Their frustrations will be heard. Rival clubs will be watching closely, hoping for failure. That’s to be expected.
This one isn’t over just yet, but it’s certainly looking promising for the Premier League champions.