‘Huge’ – New Alexander Isak transfer twist after Liverpool make approach
Liverpool could face competition in the race for Newcastle United forward Alexander Isak this summer.
Isak’s future at St James’ Park is in doubt after Arne Slot’s side made an approach for him last week (15 July), with rumours circulating that the 25-year-old is willing to make the move to Anfield.
The Swede has not travelled with Newcastle on their pre-season tour to Asia, and while the Magpies insist it is because of a tight strain, some believe it is evidence that rumours he wants to leave are fully justified.
It will likely cost any potential buying club over £150million to secure a deal for the striker, which could see Liverpool struggle to complete the transfer.
However, 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 clubs in the Saudi Pro League would have the funds to make a move for Isak.
‘Newcastle would love Isak to go to Saudi’
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness insisted that Newcastle “would love” Isak to go to Saudi Arabia, rather than one of their rivals in the Premier League.
The Magpies finished fifth in the top-flight last season, securing a spot in the Champions League, with their star striker scoring 23 league goals in the process.
Wyness added that Al-Hilal could be a potential destination for Isak, as they have the finances to complete a deal.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “It’s interesting how Saudi could be the one market that could pay that sort of money. It’s very hard to argue with a valuation of £150m for Isak.
“I think Isak could well be worth that sort of money and if he went to Saudi, then that is probably the one place that Newcastle would love him to go, rather than giving a competitor in the Premier League like Liverpool the advantage of Isak.
“They’re getting the money which would make a huge difference to Newcastle and Eddie Howe in terms of the budget and there are ways that they can make up for that as well in terms of Isak.
“He was injured for part of the season last year, so they didn’t have full use of him. And yet, obviously, when he’s fit, he is a very, very talented striker, so you could justify that money. So I wouldn’t be surprised if he ended up in Saudi.
“The Saudi transfer market has only just opened. We’re only a few days into it, and it’s been very quiet so far. But nevertheless, I do expect some big moves, and I think that Al-Hilal would be a club that can certainly do it. I do think that the Saudi clubs have got the cash to push the boat out that far.”
Real Madrid to submit Konate offer
Meanwhile, Real Madrid could make an attempt to sign Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate for as little as £25million during the summer transfer window, sources have told Football Insider.
Xabi Alonso’s side are long-term admirers of the centre-back, who has just one year remaining on his contract, and are prepared to test the Reds’ resolve.
However, Football Insider revealed Liverpool will demand £40million to sell Konate this summer as they are reluctant to see him leave either this summer or next.
Instead, Madrid are believed to be lining up a deal to bring the France international to the Bernabeu on a free transfer in 2026 as they did with Trent Alexander-Arnold.
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