‘Isak’s head turned for Liverpool’ amid latest Newcastle developments
Alexander Isak could still move to Liverpool this summer.
The Reds are pushing forward with a move for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike, with a £69million deal agreed for the Frenchman.
However, Arne Slot‘s side may still be able to secure the signature of the Swedish forward, who notched 23 goals and six assists in the Premier League last season.
Isak’s head turned amid Liverpool interest
Liverpool News sources understand that the Reds bid £130million for Isak, and it appears that he wants the move.
The Swede was sent home from Newcastle’s squad for their pre-season friendly with Celtic, with Eddie Howe confirming it was due to the speculation over his future.
Former Magpies boss Alan Pardew believes that the interest from the champions has turned the former Borussia Dortmund star’s head.
Speaking on talkSPORT (20 July, 19:11), he said: “When players want to move, they make it fundamentally clear, and it can cause a problem.
“Has Isak’s head been turned? I would suggest, possibly, yes, they have got a battle on there.
“I think Eddie is trying to play it down, but it won’t go away until Liverpool conduct their business.”
Liverpool have to keep pushing for Isak
Isak would be a game-changing signing for the Reds, as he is an established world-class star in the top flight.
Ekitike, on the other hand, has bags of potential and profiles similar to the Swede, but is not at the same level.
The Reds should prioritise the former and should keep pushing, as despite Newcastle’s current stance, that they do not want to sell, if Isak pushes for a move and causes a fuss, that may change.
Howe and Co. may ultimately decide to cash in on the forward, as it could harm their side by keeping an unhappy player, and the money would allow them to reinvest in several positions of need.
There is a distant possibility that the L4 outfit could sign both, especially if Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz both leave Merseyside in big-money moves.
However, if it is just one that they can sign, they should keep the pressure on the Magpies for as long as possible, as Isak is the most dangerous attacker in the world right now and would have a significantly bigger impact.
Whether he can ultimately be prized away from Howe’s side remains to be seen; they will maintain their stance, but that could shift if the money is too good to turn down and the player becomes unsettled.
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