Liverpool have had a £110m bid for Alexander Isak rejected by Newcastle United and will not make a second offer for the striker in this transfer window, according to sources. The Merseyside club's first formal offer fell short of the £120m suggested when sporting director Richard Hughes made an informal enquiry two weeks ago.
Newcastle value the Sweden international at £150m, a British transfer record, and are reluctant to sell the 25-year-old, who was the second-highest Premier League goalscorer last season behind Mohamed Salah. Given the swift rejection, Liverpool consider it futile to return with a second bid before the 1 September deadline.
Liverpool were encouraged by Isak's desire to move to Anfield, expressed after Hughes' enquiry. The club have spent nearly £300m this summer, including a £79m deal for Hugo Ekitiké, but have recouped £190m in sales since June 2024. Their current record signing is Florian Wirtz for £100m, potentially rising to £116m.
Isak did not travel on Newcastle's pre-season tour of Asia, citing a minor thigh injury, but has informed the club he wishes to explore his options, with Liverpool as his preferred destination. He has been training at former club Real Sociedad this week, and there has been no progress on a new contract. Isak has three years remaining on his current deal.
Newcastle maintain Isak is not for sale but have been attempting to sign other strikers without success. Eddie Howe and his nephew Andy Howe are overseeing recruitment after Paul Mitchell stepped down as sporting director. Targets missed include Liam Delap, João Pedro, Bryan Mbeumo, and James Trafford, while Benjamin Sesko faces competition from Manchester United.
