Report: Liverpool in race with Chelsea for £120m star striker signing | OneFootball

Liverpool Enter the Race for £120m Alexander Isak – Is It a Feasible Deal?

Liverpool are reportedly setting their sights on Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak as they look to bolster their attacking options under new boss Arne Slot. According to GiveMeSport, “Liverpool are on course to battle with a host of Premier League rivals for the acquisition of Newcastle United star Alexander Isak after boss Arne Slot has turned his attentions towards bringing in additional firepower when the summer transfer window opens.”

But while Isak’s name will excite Liverpool fans, the numbers involved suggest this could be an extremely difficult deal to pull off. Newcastle, understandably, are reluctant to sell and will reportedly demand at least £120 million for their prized asset. With the striker still contracted to the Magpies for another three and a half years, they hold all the negotiating power.

So, how realistic is this potential move for the Reds?

Isak’s Ambition Aligns with Liverpool’s Objectives

One of the key factors that could make this transfer possible is Isak’s ambition to play in the Champions League next season. GiveMeSport notes that “Liverpool’s hopes of recruiting Isak will improve if Newcastle miss out on bagging Champions League qualification as their transfer target is hugely ambitious and remains desperate to compete in Europe’s elite club competition next season.”

This puts Newcastle in a tricky position. While they remain financially strong, failure to secure a top-four spot could force them to reconsider their stance on Isak. Liverpool, consistently in Europe’s top competition, could provide the perfect opportunity for the Swedish international to take his career to the next level.

Photo: IMAGO

However, Chelsea are also mentioned as a potential contender, with GMS sources revealing that the Blues may enter the frame as Enzo Maresca looks for an upgrade on Nicolas Jackson. This means Liverpool could face another battle in a market that has seen prices for elite strikers skyrocket.

Isak’s Style – A Perfect Fit for Slot’s Liverpool?

Isak is a player who thrives in an attacking system that allows fluidity and movement. His technical ability, composure in front of goal, and knack for scoring in high-pressure moments would certainly suit Liverpool’s forward line.

With uncertainty surrounding Darwin Núñez’s future—Atletico Madrid reportedly monitoring his situation—Liverpool could be preparing for a reshuffle in attack. GMS sources state that “there are ongoing doubts over whether Darwin Núñez will remain at Anfield beyond the summer transfer window,” which could explain why Slot and his recruitment team are keen to explore a marquee signing.

Isak has been outstanding for Newcastle this season, scoring key goals and proving himself as one of the most reliable strikers in the Premier League. Having cost £63 million when he joined from Real Sociedad, his market value has nearly doubled—a testament to his development.

But will Liverpool break their transfer record for him?

Financial Hurdles Could Prove Insurmountable

Despite Liverpool’s need for attacking reinforcements, Newcastle’s asking price of £120 million seems excessive. With FSG known for their cautious spending, this deal would represent an enormous shift in policy. GiveMeSport highlights that “Newcastle remain unwilling to entertain the possibility of sanctioning a switch for less than £120million,” making it clear that any potential suitors will have to dig deep into their pockets.

Liverpool might attempt to structure the deal over multiple years to ease the financial burden, but even that could prove difficult given the competition for Isak’s signature. While Arsenal seem to be fading from the race, Chelsea’s financial muscle and their continued squad overhaul make them a genuine threat.

Unless Newcastle dramatically lower their demands or Liverpool offload key players to free up funds, it seems unlikely that the Merseyside club would commit to such an enormous transfer fee—especially with other areas of the squad requiring reinforcements.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

While the prospect of Alexander Isak leading Liverpool’s attack is mouth-watering, realism must prevail. A £120 million valuation, coupled with the fact that Newcastle hold all the cards due to his long-term contract, makes this a near-impossible deal unless circumstances change.

From a tactical standpoint, Isak fits the mould of a modern Liverpool forward. His ability to link up play, move between defensive lines, and finish with clinical precision would complement Mohamed Salah and Luis Díaz perfectly. If Núñez were to depart, he would be an ideal successor, offering more composure and versatility in front of goal.

However, financial logic suggests that Liverpool won’t break their wage structure or transfer strategy for one player. Under FSG, the club has operated with a strict financial model, targeting value-for-money signings rather than splashing out on marquee purchases. The club’s most expensive signing to date remains Virgil van Dijk at £75 million—a fee that is significantly lower than what Isak would cost.

Additionally, with priorities in other areas—such as a left-back (Antonee Robinson has been linked) and a defensive midfielder—Liverpool might find that their resources are better spent elsewhere.

Could Isak push for a move? Possibly. But with Newcastle financially stable and still in the race for Champions League football, there is no pressure on them to sell. Liverpool will need either a major sale of their own or a drastic change in circumstances to make this deal happen.

For now, Liverpool fans should remain hopeful but not expectant—this transfer saga has a long way to go.