Liverpool’s £110m Isak Gambit Backfires, Angering Newcastle

Magpies Dismiss Bid, Insist Striker is Not for Sale

Liverpool have reportedly strained relations with Newcastle United after submitting a £110 million offer for striker **Alexander Isak**, a bid that has been flatly rejected by the Tyneside club.

Newcastle Rejects Liverpool’s Approach

Newcastle United has confirmed turning down an official bid from Liverpool for **Alexander Isak**. Despite the offer, believed to be around £110 million, the Premier League club maintains that the Swedish international is not available for transfer.

Sources suggest that Newcastle officials were displeased with Liverpool’s conduct, viewing the bid as an attempt to unsettle the player. This has led to frustration at St James’ Park, with the club insisting on selling only on their own terms.

Player’s Stance and Newcastle’s Strategy

While **Isak** did not join Newcastle on their pre-season tour to Asia, instead training in Spain, the club intends to integrate him back into the squad for the upcoming 2025/26 season. There are also reports that Newcastle is preparing a new contract for **Isak**, which could include a release clause active from the summer of 2026.

However, there remains uncertainty surrounding his long-term future at the club, with reports indicating a potential £150 million valuation for the striker.

A report highlights that Liverpool’s pursuit has successfully “unsettled” the 25-year-old forward. It is claimed that Liverpool had previously made an informal offer of £120 million last month, only to follow up with a lower bid.

“In a damning assessment of Liverpool’s pursuit, it’s stated that they have ‘bottled it’ and strung the ex-Real Sociedad man along.”

Newcastle reportedly feels some sympathy for **Isak**, believing he has been “badly advised” by Liverpool, who had previously prioritized signing **Hugo Ekitike**.

The Merseyside club’s interest in **Isak** was described as “genuine,” but their willingness to sign him was capped at a figure significantly below the £150 million valuation.

Following the alleged unsettling of **Isak**, the £110 million bid is seen as an attempt to “save face” and appease the player and his representatives, who are reportedly pushing for a move.

The conduct of the Anfield club has caused “bafflement and some anger” at Newcastle, where the focus remains on securing a suitable replacement and a “fair financial package” should a sale eventually occur.

Should **Isak** depart, Newcastle is understood to be prepared to pursue **Ollie Watkins** of Aston Villa.

Currently, **Isak** has been informed that he will not be allowed to leave, with no progress made on potential incoming transfers. Liverpool’s opening offer is considered to have “lowballed” the club.

Craig Hope, a journalist who initially reported **Isak**’s desire to leave Newcastle, stated that Liverpool had “strung along” the striker by walking away from negotiations at a price point significantly under his perceived value.

Market Context

The transfer market for top strikers remains highly active. For instance, in the 2023 summer transfer window, **Harry Kane** moved from Tottenham to Bayern Munich for an initial fee of around £86 million, demonstrating the significant sums involved for elite talent.

Newcastle officials expect **Isak** to rejoin his teammates for training sessions upon their return to the North-East.