Liverpool transfer news: 'Sensitive' Reds make Alexander Isak approach as Hugo Ekitike Newcastle saga awaits

Liverpool have allegedly approached Newcastle United to discuss a blockbuster deal for Sweden international striker Alexander Isak.

The Reds are expected to turn their attention to a new striker after bringing in Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz earlier in the window, before the tragic death of former forward Diogo Jota.

In Liverpool's first game since the Portuguese's passing, Darwin Nunez struck in a 3-1 friendly win over Preston North End at the weekend, but the Uruguayan will likely be allowed to leave for the right price.

A move to Napoli is no longer considered realistic for Nunez owing to the costs involved, but the former Benfica man could be offered an escape route by teams in the Saudi Pro League.

In anticipation of Nunez's expected exit, Fabrizio Romano has reported that Liverpool have made a 'club-to-club approach' to bring Isak to the home of the Premier League champions.

Liverpool 'prepared to break transfer record' for Isak deal

The Reds' move comes at a time where Newcastle are accelerating their efforts to sign Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike, whom the Magpies have reportedly had a club-record £70m bid turned down for.

It remains to be seen if Newcastle will go back in for Ekitike, but if the Frenchman does end up donning the black and white stripes, Eddie Howe and co may be more open to the idea of Isak departing for an unprecedented sum.

Additional detail from The Athletic claims that Liverpool would be willing to fork out a staggering £120m to sign the former Real Sociedad striker, who would therefore quickly dethrone Wirtz as the club's most expensive signing of all time.

However, the Reds are yet to make a formal offer for Isak and are aware that Newcastle have slapped a not-for-sale sign on the Scandinavian's head, but their interest in him has been 'communicated' to St James' Park transfer chiefs.

While the situation at Anfield remains 'sensitive' in the wake of Jota's death, the Premier League champions have accepted that further additions are necessary this summer, and a striker is now their top priority.

Isak finished the 2024-25 Premier League season with a stellar 23 goals - six fewer than Golden Boot winner Mohamed Salah - and he has registered 62 goals in 109 matches for the Magpies in all tournaments.

Liverpool, Newcastle braced for Isak, Ekitike transfer saga?

Newcastle's iron stance over Isak was seemingly strengthened by their qualification for the 2025-26 Champions League, but if any bid can twist the Magpies' arm, surely one worth £120m can.

If Newcastle can also conclude a deal for Ekitike, the Frenchman and Isak would hypothetically be competing for starts on a weekly basis next season, unless Howe unexpectedly shifts to a two-striker system.

Liverpool fans could therefore find themselves rooting for Newcastle to sign Ekitike in order for the Isak doors to open, but at the same time, the Eintracht Frankfurt man is still thought to be of interest to the Reds too - likely as their number one alternative to Isak.

With Liverpool wanting Isak, Newcastle wanting Ekitike, Liverpool keeping an eye on Ekitike and Newcastle likely also wanting to keep Isak, strap in for what may be the transfer saga of the summer.

Written by
Ben Knapton