Alexander Isak Eyes Newcastle Exit as Al-Hilal Prepare Massive £150M Offer
Liverpool’s summer transfer plans could be dramatically disrupted as Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak expresses a desire to leave, and Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal step in with a potential £150 million bid. With the Reds already heavily invested in reshaping their squad under Arne Slot, Isak had emerged as a marquee target—but they may now face a serious hijack attempt from the Saudi Pro League.
Liverpool’s Summer Rebuild Reaches £300M Milestone
Arne Slot has wasted no time stamping his identity on this Liverpool side following his title-winning debut season in the Premier League. The club’s spending spree continued this week with the official arrival of French striker Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt, pushing their summer outlay close to £300 million. Other key additions include Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, and Jeremie Frimpong—all signaling Liverpool’s intent to refresh their squad with young, dynamic talent.
Isak, the prolific Swedish forward, was identified as a prime transfer target. Reports suggested Liverpool were willing to meet Newcastle’s £120 million valuation before news broke of a potential bidding war that could blow them out of contention.
Isak’s Absence Sparks Transfer Frenzy
The situation escalated on Thursday when Isak was notably absent from Newcastle’s pre-season tour of Asia. While club sources attributed it to a precautionary measure due to a thigh concern, it soon emerged that the 24-year-old had informed the Magpies of his wish to leave this summer.
Despite Newcastle maintaining their stance that Isak is not for sale, sources close to the club, including journalist Luke Edwards, suggest that manager Eddie Howe now faces the challenge of managing a potentially unsettled player.
Al-Hilal Ready to Smash Transfer Record
Saudi Arabian powerhouse Al-Hilal have now entered the frame and are reportedly “open” to meeting Newcastle’s £150 million valuation. According to TBR Football’s Graeme Bailey, Isak’s agent has already engaged with Saudi media—fueling speculation that talks with Al-Hilal are more than speculative.
Bailey added, “Al-Hilal want a top striker and PIF are open to paying a huge fee… Would Isak consider the move? Time will tell, but interest is very real.”
This move could mirror similar blockbuster Saudi deals in recent windows, where clubs backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) have lured top European talent with eye-watering financial packages.
Liverpool Still in the Running, Chelsea Rule Themselves Out
Despite Saudi interest, Liverpool remain firmly in the chase. Renowned transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed the Reds are still the only club actively negotiating with Newcastle for Isak, dismissing speculation linking Chelsea.
Romano clarified via X (formerly Twitter): “Chelsea not actively working on Alexander Isak deal… The club working on Isak deal was, is and remains Liverpool.”
However, progress may hinge on Liverpool clearing space in their attack—potentially by moving on players like Luis Díaz or Darwin Núñez—before committing to such a hefty investment.
What’s Next for Isak and Newcastle?
Newcastle maintain a public stance that their star striker is not available for transfer. But with interest from both Liverpool and Al-Hilal intensifying, and Isak reportedly unhappy, the Magpies may be forced into a pivotal decision. Manager Eddie Howe faces a crucial task in either reintegrating his top scorer or navigating a high-profile sale that could reshape the club’s ambitions this season.
