Alexander Isak caused tension between boss and club chief after sudden transfer U-turn

Alexander Isak is no stranger to a blockbuster transfer saga. The Swedish sensation, viewed by Liverpool as their ideal striker, finds himself at the heart of a tense standoff between the Merseyside giants and Newcastle.

Recently, Liverpool floated a potential British record offer of £120million for Isak, but Newcastle have held firm in their refusal to negotiate. With doors seemingly closed, Liverpool have shifted their interest to Hugo Ekitike, audaciously hijacking Newcastle's bid for the Eintracht Frankfurt attacker, with a £70m agreement nearing completion.

Still, Liverpool have not ruled out a move for Isak in the future, with the possibility of revisiting their pursuit either later this summer or next year still on the table. For now, however, he appears destined to remain at St James' Park.

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This isn't Isak's first time in the spotlight of a heated transfer saga. In 2017, he left AIK to join Borussia Dortmund amid controversy. Aged just 17 at the time, he seemed Real Madrid-bound - until Dortmund swooped late in the process to secure him for £8.6m, causing frustration for then-boss Thomas Tuchel.

Though Dortmund had landed one of Europe's most hyped young strikers, Tuchel was incensed by the club's failure to inform him of the transfer, creating tensions that contributed to his departure a few months later.

When asked about Isak before the deal's completion, Tuchel bluntly told reporters: "Talk to [Dortmund sporting director] Michael Zorc [about it]."

Under Tuchel, Isak featured only once - coming off the bench in a 3-0 German Cup win over Sportfreunde Lotte. His role remained limited the following season, scoring once in 12 matches, only three of which he started. But things turned in 2018/19.

A loan to Willem II saw Isak explode for 14 goals in 18 games. That electric run prompted Real Sociedad to snap him up for just £7.5m ahead of the 2019/20 season.

In La Liga, Isak flourished, netting 16 and 17 goals across his first two campaigns. Though his output dipped to 10 in 2021/22, Newcastle still smashed their transfer record by paying £63m for him.

Since arriving on Tyneside, Isak has hit 62 goals in 109 appearances, including a stunning 27-goal season in 2024/25. That form has turned him into one of football's hottest properties, with Liverpool among the elite clubs eager to sign him.

He has three years remaining on his current deal, which puts Newcastle in a strong bargaining position. To sign the Swedish striker, Liverpool may need to fork out up to £150m, according to some reports.

At present, Isak isn't agitating for a move. However, sources suggest he is 'unhappy' with his contract situation. With negotiations stalled and the player seeking a significant rise from his current £130,000-per-week wage, frustration may be brewing.

Liverpool remain alert to any changes. But for now, with Newcastle unwilling to sell and Liverpool progressing with Ekitike, the saga has been put on hold - for now.

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