Newcastle prepare record deal to block Liverpool’s transfer approach | OneFootball

Newcastle Prepare Record-Breaking Offer to Block Liverpool’s Pursuit of Star Forward

Isak at centre of transfer power play

Newcastle United are preparing to make Alexander Isak the best-paid player in their history in a bid to block Liverpool from making a move for the striker this summer. As reported by TeamTalk, the Magpies are determined to hold on to their talisman amid growing interest from Arne Slot’s side, with sources indicating that Isak would be open to a move to Anfield.

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Liverpool have made a strong start to the transfer window, signing Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Armin Pecsi, while also closing in on Milos Kerkez. But Slot’s vision includes a high-profile addition in attack, and Isak, who netted 23 goals and provided six assists in 34 Premier League games last season, is regarded as the ideal forward to lead the next phase of Liverpool’s evolution.

Newcastle react with decisive contract strategy

In response, Newcastle are moving quickly to offer Isak a new deal that would surpass their current wage structure. As reported by The Times, the club are “prepared to make Alexander Isak the best-paid player in the club’s history and fight off any approach for their star striker.”

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That deal would reportedly exceed £150,000 per week, eclipsing current top earners Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimarães and Anthony Gordon. While this figure would still fall short of Liverpool’s highest earners, it underlines Newcastle’s determination to resist pressure from elite suitors.

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Newcastle’s internal concerns that a formal offer could be tabled in early July have only added urgency to their push. The club know that Champions League football and Premier League titles are attractive draws, especially for a player entering his prime.

Liverpool’s valuation falls short of Newcastle stance

While Liverpool are understood to be preparing a £150 million bid, including potential add-ons, that valuation may not open the door. The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards notes that Newcastle are unlikely to entertain any figure “well in excess” of £150 million.

He wrote: “It would take a bid, well in excess of £150 million, for Newcastle to even start a negotiation with an interested party. The key part of that sentence is ‘well in excess’. We are not just talking about a new British record transfer fee, we are looking at something approaching the £200 million world record Paris St-Germain paid to sign Neymar from Barcelona.”

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That valuation places Isak beyond the reach of almost every club in Europe. It also acts as a clear deterrent, signalling that Newcastle would rather break their own wage bill than lose a player they view as foundational to their project under Eddie Howe.

Isak’s stance provides encouragement to Liverpool

Despite Newcastle’s insistence, Isak himself has not ruled out a move. TeamTalk’s Fraser Fletcher reports that “Isak is open to a move to Liverpool in the summer transfer window.”

The allure of competing regularly in the Champions League and for major domestic honours is clear. Isak himself has said: “I’ve said I’m not really thinking about the summer, but yes, that’ll probably be a talking point once the season is finished. We will really see because no talks have been held yet.”

Photo: IMAGO

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, while optimistic, acknowledged the complexity: “Alex is under contract, we love him to bits and we want him to stay and keep enjoying his football like he has done.”

That said, as negotiations are poised to begin, there is a recognition within Newcastle that interest from clubs like Liverpool must be met with swift, decisive contract strategies to protect their long-term ambitions.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

For Liverpool supporters, this report lands with a heavy sigh. Isak represents everything the current squad needs — pace, intelligence, goals and a forward who thrives on fluid attacking football. To hear that he is interested, only to then be told it might take £200 million to prise him away, is a gut punch.

The excitement around Arne Slot’s project has been building. Wirtz and Frimpong were smart additions. But a top-level No.9 is the piece that elevates Liverpool from title challengers to Champions League contenders. Isak looked like that man. Instead, it now feels like a non-starter.

Frustration will mount if Liverpool fail to land a marquee striker. Supporters remember past summers where ‘almost’ deals didn’t materialise, and fear history repeating itself. There’s still time, and there may be other options, but losing out on Isak — especially if he wanted the move — would sting.

Liverpool’s pull is strong, but it might not be enough. Not this time. That’s the hard reality of the post-Neymar era, where selling clubs hold more cards than ever.