Liverpool move for Isak scuppered after Manchester United launch £74m bid
Liverpool are waiting to discover the fate of their move for Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak.
The Reds want to add the Swede to their squad this summer as part of a spending spree that has seen them sign Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike, among others.
A move for Isak would take the summer’s spending north of £300million, but significant funds have been raised through sales too.
Luis Diaz completed a £65m move to Bayern Munich, and Darwin Nunez could also be sold for a large fee amid interest from the Saudi Pro League.
Manchester United move for Newcastle target
Just weeks ago, Newcastle were determined to keep Isak at all costs, demanding a bid worth around £150m to even begin discussions.
But the striker’s desire to join Liverpool has been made clear in recent weeks, and that stance has begun to soften.
The Magpies have now opened the door to the 25-year-old’s departure, but will not enter negotiations until a replacement is close to joining.
| Alexander Isak | Premier League 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 34 |
| Goals | 23 |
| Assists | 6 |
The ideal target for that replacement looks to be Benjamin Sesko, with Newcastle offering around £70m to RB Leipzig for the 22-year-old on Monday (4 August).
Manchester United also hold an interest in the Slovenian, however, and the Red Devils’ presence has complicated matters, with the player still yet to decide on his next destination.
Now, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein via X (5 August), that interest has now been formalised, with the Premier League giants submitting a bid worth up to £74m.
Decision-makers at Old Trafford believe Sesko would prefer a move to Manchester United, in what will come as a blow to both Newcastle and Liverpool, should the bid be accepted.
https://x.com/David_Ornstein/status/1952704621689937959Sesko decision could scupper Isak hopes
If Liverpool are to sign Isak this summer, they will need to hope that Sesko ultimately decides to turn down Manchester United for Newcastle.
The Magpies have already missed out on one striker target this summer in, now-Liverpool man, Ekitike, and alternative target Yoane Wissa looks likely to stay at Brentford.
With the Premier League’s return just over a week away, that would leave Newcastle needing to identify and sound out a fourth possible target, and increase the likelihood that Isak stays in the North East.
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