Liverpool willing to make second offer for Alexander Isak on one condition

The Isak pursuit: Liverpool won’t move until Newcastle act

Liverpool’s transfer activity this summer continues to unfold with high drama and strategic calculation. According to multiple reports, the Reds are eyeing a renewed push for Swedish striker Alexander Isak after having an initial blockbuster bid of £120 million ($159m) rejected by Newcastle United. But there’s a twist—Liverpool will only come back to the table if one vital condition is met: Newcastle must first take real steps toward securing a replacement.

This isn’t just a matter of throwing money at a problem. Liverpool want clarity, and they want Newcastle to show commitment to a forward plan before engaging in further negotiations. The situation reflects a growing theme in the modern transfer market: elite clubs, even with deep pockets, are no longer willing to chase deals blindly.

What happened with the first bid?

Liverpool’s initial offer for Isak turned heads across the Premier League. £120 million is a figure that would make most clubs at least sit up and listen, especially considering Financial Fair Play regulations and squad depth concerns. But Newcastle held firm.

Behind the scenes, Newcastle’s decision-makers are wary of weakening their attack without being able to reload. While Isak is one of the most technically gifted forwards in the league and a player around whom Eddie Howe is building his project, money talks—but not without a back-up plan.

According to reports from Mail Sport and other outlets, Liverpool were aware that Newcastle would be hesitant to lose their star striker without a clear succession plan. That is why the Merseyside club are unwilling to push a second bid until there is tangible progress from the Magpies in securing a replacement.

The Sesko domino effect

The name at the centre of Newcastle’s contingency planning is Benjamin Sesko. The Slovenian international is one of the most sought-after young forwards in Europe. Newcastle have reportedly lodged a £70 million ($92m) bid for him and are now waiting on a response. The complication? Sesko is also on the radar of Manchester United, and his decision could dictate how this transfer saga plays out.

If Sesko opts to join the Red Devils, Newcastle will be forced to look at alternatives such as Brentford’s Yoane Wissa or Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins. Either way, the club need to act quickly. With just weeks left in the window and Liverpool watching closely, Newcastle’s recruitment team is under immense pressure.

Liverpool v Newcastle United – Carabao Cup Final

The bigger picture for Liverpool

For Liverpool, the pursuit of Isak signals a bold shift in their recruitment strategy. While Darwin Nunez remains a core attacking option, Jurgen Klopp’s successor Arne Slot is keen on diversifying Liverpool’s offensive play. Isak, known for his intelligence, ball control, and versatility, fits that vision perfectly.

There’s also an unspoken truth behind Liverpool’s urgency: with Manchester City, Arsenal, and even Tottenham reinforcing aggressively, staying stagnant isn’t an option. Adding a player of Isak’s calibre would not only elevate Liverpool’s attacking firepower but also send a strong message of intent to the rest of the league.

What Eddie Howe had to say

Speaking about the bid, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe kept things measured. “I was made aware of a bid yesterday and that bid was turned down, all before I’d even heard about it,” Howe said. “From our perspective, we still support Alex in every way and my wish is that we see him in a Newcastle shirt again.”

The Newcastle manager went on to highlight the complexity of the modern transfer window. “Signing players is always complex,” Howe explained. “We try to do what we think is right. I can’t talk about other clubs, that’s not for me to say.”

His comments suggest that Newcastle aren’t outright refusing to sell, but rather approaching the deal with extreme caution. It’s a pragmatic stance—allowing a major player to leave without a ready-made replacement would risk undoing much of the progress made under Howe’s stewardship.

Isak’s position in the spotlight

Isak has quickly become a cornerstone for Newcastle, not just on the pitch but in terms of the club’s branding and European ambitions. Since arriving from Real Sociedad, the Swedish forward has impressed with his blend of pace, composure, and technical brilliance. He’s viewed not just as a goal-scorer but as a complete forward who can drop deep, link play, and create chances for others.

But the allure of Liverpool, a club with Champions League pedigree and a vast global profile, may be difficult to ignore. And with Liverpool willing to nearly double his current wages, Isak could soon face a career-defining decision.

A potential waiting game

Given how tightly Newcastle are holding their cards, this saga might stretch into the final days—or even hours—of the transfer window, which slams shut on September 1. That makes for uncomfortable viewing for both clubs and the player himself. Liverpool, for all their interest, aren’t prepared to waste time chasing a dead end. They need assurances that Newcastle are open to making this work.

Newcastle, meanwhile, are trying to cover all their bases. Losing Isak without a secured replacement would be a catastrophe for a side that has tasted European football and aims to stay competitive at the top end of the table.

Newcastle United FC v Ipswich Town FC – Premier League

What comes next?

For now, all eyes are on Benjamin Sesko. If he commits to the Magpies, expect Liverpool to move swiftly with a revised proposal for Isak. If not, the Reds may pivot to other targets—though finding a forward of Isak’s profile and availability won’t be easy.

As the summer window nears its climax, this story has all the elements of a classic transfer drama: elite-level talent, massive financial implications, managerial mind games, and the looming pressure of the deadline clock.

Whatever happens, one thing is clear—Liverpool’s interest in Alexander Isak is very real. But whether it results in a blockbuster signing or a missed opportunity will depend just as much on what Newcastle do next as it does on what the Reds are willing to offer.