Liverpool Legend: Eddie Howe has ‘Had Enough’ of Alexander Isak | OneFootball

Jan Molby on Liverpool’s Pursuit of Alexander Isak

Liverpool have opened their Premier League campaign with intent, defeating Bournemouth 4-2 at Anfield and then edging past Newcastle United 3-2 at St. James’ Park. Two wins from two have kept the optimism high around Arne Slot’s side, yet the focus off the pitch has been just as captivating. The Reds’ pursuit of Alexander Isak, who is currently refusing to train for Newcastle, has become one of the defining transfer sagas of the summer.

Isak Situation at Breaking Point

Newcastle’s failure to keep promises to the Swedish forward has left him with no desire to continue. That frustration has opened the door for Liverpool, who already had a £110m bid rejected. With just three days of the window left, the developments around Newcastle’s imminent signing of Nick Woltemade have pushed the story to the brink.

Jan Molby, speaking to Trev Downey on Anfield Index, offered a blunt assessment. “They’ve been inept in trying to find a replacement for either Alexander Isak or Callum Wilson.” His view reflects the chaos within the Newcastle hierarchy, where silence from the board after Monday’s defeat at St. James’ Park has only fuelled speculation. As Molby noted, “Look at the silence of the Newcastle board since we beat them on Monday night. They’ve gone back and decided to get this deal done.”

Fee Negotiations Remain Key

While Newcastle may be ready to move on, the valuation remains a sticking point. Molby explained, “It will definitely help. The next hurdle to get over is agreeing the fee with Newcastle.” With only Woltemade arriving rather than two forwards, Liverpool’s hand has weakened slightly. “If they had gotten two strikers in, then perhaps Liverpool have more control over the fee but because they’ve only got one in, the price for Isak could be £10-15m more.”

This speaks to the difficulty of doing business at the very top end of the market. Slot and Liverpool’s recruitment team may be willing to stretch further, particularly given how seamlessly Isak would fit into a system already firing.

Slot’s Bold First Summer

Arne Slot could not have asked for a better start on the touchline. A debut season Premier League title has already elevated him into rare company, and two thrilling victories to start this campaign reinforce the sense of momentum. But winning domestically brings new challenges, and sustaining that level requires continual reinforcement.

Molby pointed towards a potential resolution. “This looks like a breakthrough. People said that they would have to find two new strikers before letting Isak leave but perhaps they have more faith in Will Osula. This can only be good news because nobody is happy with this current situation and I think Eddie Howe has had enough of it all and is ready to move Isak on.”

Liverpool’s determination to land Isak, despite the hurdles, illustrates a club willing to act decisively in the market. If the deal is completed, Slot will have another powerful option to lead the line, and the defending champions’ prospects in both England and Europe will appear even brighter.