Newcastle turn down Liverpool bid for Alexander Isak

Newcastle United have reportedly rejected an official bid from Liverpool for star striker Alexander Isak, who has been heavily linked with a move to Anfield, according to The Athletic.

Isak has been at the center of a potential transfer from Newcastle, with Premier League winners Liverpool aiming to add firepower to their squad in their quest to defend the league title next season.

The Swedish international, however, has expressed his desire to move to Anfield after a stellar season with the Magpies, followed by submitting a transfer request in an effort to secure a major move to Arne Slot’s team.

The report indicates that Liverpool’s initial approach for Alexander Isak was “informal,” though Newcastle has rejected their subsequent official bid for the prolific forward.

Liverpool have already secured Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike for €95 million this summer and are keen to add Alexander Isak to Arne Slot’s squad, expressing willingness to meet a deal in the region of €138.4 million (£120m), according to journalist David Ornstein.

Despite an unsuccessful official offer exceeding £100 million, it is believed to have fallen short of Newcastle’s £150 million valuation for Isak, who still has three years left on his contract.

Alexander Isak was not named in Newcastle’s squad for their pre-season tour of Asia

Unwilling to sell, the Carabao Cup winners have set a high price, requiring Liverpool to increase their bid to secure the former Real Sociedad star.

Meanwhile, the 25-year-old is training separately at Sociedad’s facilities amid uncertainty about his Newcastle future, as he recovers from the “minor thigh injury” cited by the club for his absence from the Asia pre-season tour.

Isak, who bagged 23 goals across all competitions for Newcastle last season, has expressed his desire to explore options during this transfer window following an informal approach from Liverpool a few weeks ago.

Newcastle face a significant challenge following Liverpool’s initial bid, which appears to be a test of St. James’ Park’s resolve.

They are now focused on securing a top-tier replacement, with plans to finalize it before Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes returns with an enhanced offer that aligns with their valuation and proves difficult to reject.

Newcastle must now intensify their efforts to outpace Manchester United in the race for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, valued at €80 million, though reports suggest the striker favors a move to Old Trafford despite the lack of Champions League football.