Newcastle Declines Liverpool’s Bid For Isak – Reports

Newcastle United have turned down Liverpool’s initial offer to sign Sweden striker Alexander Isak, according to reports on Friday.

Isak, who has been training this week with his former club Real Sociedad, reportedly informed Newcastle that he wants to leave St. James’ Park.

The 25-year-old has been linked with Liverpool since the end of last season, and the Premier League champions are said to have made a formal bid worth around £110 million ($159 million), including potential add-ons.

However, Newcastle, who value Isak at about £150 million, are determined to keep their star forward and rejected Liverpool’s opening offer.

Isak joined Newcastle in 2022 for £60 million from Real Sociedad and scored 23 Premier League goals last season, playing a key role in helping the Magpies qualify for the Champions League.

Although he has three years remaining on his contract, Isak did not join Newcastle on their pre-season tour in Asia, with the club citing a minor thigh injury.

On Thursday, Real Sociedad confirmed Isak was training at their Zubieta facility with his own trainers.

Reports on Friday suggested Newcastle offered Isak a chance to sign a new contract with a release clause for next year, but the striker insisted he wants to move immediately.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has already strengthened his attack by signing Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike and Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz this summer.

Still, the Reds are keen to further boost their forward line with Isak as they aim to secure back-to-back Premier League titles for the first time since the 1980s.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe remained firm earlier this week, saying: “He is still our player. He’s contracted to us. We, to a degree, control what is next for him. I would love to believe all possibilities are still available to us. My wish is that he stays, but that’s not in my full control.”

Liverpool have already spent over £250 million this transfer window, bringing in Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong, Giorgi Mamardashvili, Wirtz, and Ekitike to Anfield.