Liverpool Eyes £150m Alexander Isak Amid Transfer Shuffle

Liverpool Football Club is keenly pursuing a move for striker Alexander Isak, despite already investing nearly £300 million this summer on players including Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez, and Jeremie Frimpong. The forward’s reported desire to leave Newcastle United has intensified interest from Liverpool, especially after Isak’s request for a significant contract extension, which has put the club on alert.

The financial landscape for Premier League teams has become increasingly complex, with many clubs limited by profit and sustainability regulations. Nevertheless, Liverpool appears poised to continue its spending spree, having opted not to bolster their squad last year. As negotiations for Isak unfold, it is anticipated that Newcastle will demand a fee exceeding £150 million, potentially setting a new British transfer record. This figure is notably more than the £63 million Newcastle paid to acquire him from Real Sociedad three years ago.

Liverpool’s ability to secure Isak may hinge on their capacity to raise funds through player sales. A key candidate for departure is Darwin Nunez, whose role has diminished under manager Arne Slot. Nunez has been linked with a move away from Anfield for several months, with interest from clubs, including those in Saudi Arabia, as Liverpool seeks around £60 million for the striker.

Should Nunez leave, the funds could significantly increase if Luis Diaz completes a move to Bayern Munich. Diaz’s omission from the squad for a recent friendly against AC Milan has fueled speculation regarding his future. Slot confirmed that Diaz was excluded “due to speculation on his future,” and reports suggest Bayern is confident of securing a deal for approximately £65 million.

Another potential sale involves Harvey Elliott, the England Under-21 midfielder who has struggled to find a consistent place in the squad. Interest from clubs like West Ham and Brighton could see Elliott depart, further contributing to the funds required for Isak’s transfer. Speaking recently about his future, Elliott expressed the need to be “selfish” in considering his options, stating, “If I had my way, I’d be at Liverpool for the rest of my career. I love everything about the club. But at the same time, I kind of need to be selfish and see what’s best for me.”

Liverpool’s pursuit of Isak underscores the club’s ambition as they navigate a competitive transfer market. With significant financial moves on the horizon, the upcoming weeks could be pivotal in determining the composition of the squad heading into the new season.