David Ornstein: Newcastle turn down Liverpool’s opening bid for star striker Isak | OneFootball

Liverpool’s £120m Bid for Isak Rejected: What It Means for Liverpool’s Summer Plans

Isak’s Desire to Depart Spurs Transfer Tussle

Alexander Isak’s intention to leave Newcastle United this summer has thrown up a tantalising subplot in the transfer window. As reported by David Ornstein of The Athletic, Liverpool have had a formal bid rejected for the Swedish striker, despite previously testing the waters with an informal approach valued around £120 million.

Isak has not joined Eddie Howe’s pre-season tour of South Korea and is instead training solo at Real Sociedad’s Zubieta facility. Officially, Newcastle have cited a “minor thigh injury”, though sources told The Athletic that “Isak’s absence from Newcastle’s pre-season tour was the player’s preference amid his uncertain future.”

The 25-year-old forward remains adamant in his stance, having already communicated his desire to leave. Despite efforts by Newcastle to secure him on an improved deal—including a proposed release clause—Isak has not changed course.

Newcastle Hold Firm as Replacement Search Begins

Newcastle’s official line is that Isak is not for sale, but the Tyneside club have started sounding out possible replacements. With Manchester United now in pole position for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, and Brentford’s Yoane Wissa among other targets, Newcastle are clearly bracing for potential disruption up front.

Their resolve comes at a time when Liverpool, having already captured Hugo Ekitike from Frankfurt for an initial £69 million, remain in the market for another elite striker.

Photo: IMAGO

Liverpool’s Interest Raises Strategic Questions

Isak’s 27-goal season and stellar performance in the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool—where he found the net in Newcastle’s 2-1 win—underscore why he is such a coveted asset. Liverpool’s willingness to pay in excess of £100m signals how serious they are about refreshing their attacking line.

But with Isak tied to Newcastle until 2028, this saga could yet mirror previous prolonged transfer battles seen across Premier League rivals.

Financial Power and Player Will: Who Blinks First?

This situation perfectly illustrates the modern transfer market tension: a player keen to leave, a club reluctant to sell, and a buyer with the funds to tempt. It now becomes a question of who holds firm longer—Newcastle’s hierarchy or Liverpool’s decision-makers.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a Liverpool supporter’s perspective, there’s understandable excitement and frustration in equal measure over this pursuit of Isak. The club’s interest is clear, and the reported £120m bid shows intent, but the rejection will feel like a gut punch for fans hoping to see a marquee forward arrive.

Isak ticks so many boxes. At 25, he offers both immediate impact and long-term value. His movement, technical sharpness, and ability to lead the line are rare. Many fans will recall how he tormented Liverpool’s defence in that Carabao Cup final—he looked every inch a world-class number nine.

The fact he’s training at Real Sociedad and seemingly distancing himself from Newcastle suggests this saga isn’t over. For many Kopites, this feels eerily similar to the Virgil van Dijk situation in 2017—long, drawn-out, but eventually successful.

Supporters might also wonder if Liverpool have learned from past windows. Being proactive and aggressive in the market, especially for elite talent, is exactly what fans have been calling for. The signing of Ekitike was promising, but pairing him with someone of Isak’s calibre would send a serious statement of intent.

Ultimately, Liverpool fans will back the club in not being held to ransom, but if this drags on with no result, expect criticism. The pieces are aligning; it’s now about timing, pressure, and compromise. This story isn’t done yet.