Journalist: Alexander Isak ‘Welcomes’ Liverpool’s ‘Genuine’ Interest | OneFootball

Liverpool Weigh Up Alexander Isak Move as Nunez Exit Looms

Liverpool are preparing for a significant shake-up in their forward line as Darwin Nunez edges closer to an exit. The Uruguayan striker, who arrived with much fanfare, registered just five goals in the Premier League last season. Despite the club lifting the title under Arne Slot, Nunez failed to cement his place in the manager’s plans.

Interest in the 25-year-old is mounting across Europe, with AC Milan, Atletico Madrid and Napoli all keeping tabs. Should Liverpool agree to a sale, they are expected to command a fee in the region of £60 million, giving newly-appointed sporting director Richard Hughes a strong financial platform to pursue reinforcements.

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Isak Tops Liverpool’s Striker Shortlist

Liverpool’s attention is increasingly focused on Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak. The Sweden international, who netted 23 goals last season and helped guide the Magpies back into the Champions League, is regarded internally as the ideal centre-forward to lead a new era under Slot.

Isak joined Newcastle from Real Sociedad for £63 million in 2022 and remains under contract at St James’ Park until 2028. However, his current salary, believed to be around £120,000 per week, is significantly lower than what players of similar output earn at other elite clubs. By contrast, Robert Lewandowski and Erling Haaland are both reported to be on upwards of £500,000 per week.

While Newcastle remain eager to secure Isak to a new long-term contract, it would require a substantial increase to his current wage, something that could open the door for Liverpool to make their move.

Player Welcomes Liverpool Interest

According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Isak is open to Liverpool’s approach and could use the situation to his advantage in contract talks with Newcastle.

“Is Isak welcoming of the links? Of course, because it gives him maximum leverage to go back to Newcastle and give him a new deal,” Jacobs told NUFC Matters. “There’s a lot of noise because the interest is genuine.”

Although no formal offer has been made at this stage, the possibility remains that Liverpool will firm up their interest once outgoing deals are finalised. Any approach would hinge on the club’s ability to balance finances while meeting Newcastle’s valuation.

Newcastle’s Stance Remains Firm

Newcastle are believed to be reluctant sellers and could demand a fee that would rival the current British transfer record. As Jacobs notes, “What’s Newcastle’s position? Is it a British transfer record? Is it as some sources imply, over £150m, or even £200m? There will come a point where every player has a number.”

Should Liverpool choose to push forward, they would need to construct a compelling package, not just for Newcastle, but for Isak as well, potentially pairing him with Florian Wirtz, another high-profile target expected to arrive at Anfield this summer.

Whether a move materialises remains to be seen, but Isak’s openness and Liverpool’s intent have set the stage for what could be one of the summer’s biggest transfer stories.