‘Alexander Isak never said he wanted to leave’ – Liverpool saga takes new twist
Alexander Isak’s potential move from Newcastle United to Liverpool has taken yet another twist.
On Friday (1 August), Arne Slot’s side had a bid worth £120million for the Sweden international rejected by the Tyneside club.
Isak opted not to join the Magpies on their pre-season tour of Asia, instead returning to his former club Real Sociedad to utilise their facilities.
However, there has now been a new twist in the tale, as the 25-year-old reported back to the Newcastle training ground on Monday (4 August).
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes that Isak never specifically said that he wants to leave the club.
‘Isak to Liverpool will happen’
This article contains exclusive comment from Keith Wyness, former Everton, Aston Villa, and Aberdeen CEO.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness insisted that Isak has simply said he wants to explore his options, rather than flat out asking to leave.
The Swede has reportedly been offered a new deal by Newcastle, with the club still hopeful he will sign a contract extension.
Despite this, Wyness added that he expects Isak to make the move to Liverpool this summer.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “Well, I think we’ve got to be careful here. I don’t think he said he wants to leave. He said he wants to review his options. I think we’ve got to be careful with every word now as we go forward.
“They’re hiding behind the injury, the thigh injury, as to why he didn’t travel. Well, we can believe that or not. We tend to know how these games get played. I think he will move.”
Liverpool make Nunez exit decision
Meanwhile, Liverpool are planning to accept new bids for Darwin Nunez this summer and are inviting offers after his move to Napoli collapsed, sources have told Football Insider.
Slot does not view the striker as a part of his plans for the upcoming season and is “desperate” to cash in on him before the window closes.
This comes after Football Insider revealed on 6 June that Nunez is expected to leave Liverpool this summer as they seek to upgrade in the centre-forward role.
However, interested clubs are reluctant to spend big money on a permanent transfer this summer and are instead hoping to agree loan deals for his signature.
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