Liverpool are ready to test Newcastle United's resolve with a blockbuster summer swoop for their prolific Swedish striker Alexander Isak, The Mirror can exclusively reveal.
The Magpies' precarious financial position, with the club walking a tightrope to stay within the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), has put their crown jewels firmly in the shop window. This has alerted the Merseyside giants, who see the 24-year-old as a marquee signing to usher in the post-Jürgen Klopp era.
Newcastle's Financial Dilemma Forces Hand
Despite publicly insisting that neither Isak nor fellow talisman Bruno Guimaraes are for sale, manager Eddie Howe is facing a grim financial reality. The club may be forced to cash in on a major asset to avoid a potential points deduction, creating a golden opportunity for a rival to pounce.
Newcastle's majority owners, the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), are unlikely to inject further equity to cover losses, meaning a significant sale is the most straightforward path to compliance.
Isak Tops Arne Slot's Wishlist
Incoming Liverpool boss Arne Slot has identified a new forward as a key priority, and Isak's electrifying pace, clinical finishing, and proven Premier League pedigree have made him the number one target. His stunning goal in the 4-2 defeat to Liverpool last month only served to underline his quality to the Anfield hierarchy.
While a deal would likely require a club-record fee for Liverpool, smashing the £85m they paid for Virgil van Dijk, his acquisition would be a monumental statement of intent.
Howe's Public Stance vs. Private Fear
Eddie Howe has been vocal about his desire to build his team around Isak, recently stating, 'We are trying to build a team, we are trying to grow the team, so we don't want to sell our best players. That is hugely important for us... that will be the same this summer.'
However, the brutal economics of modern football mean such statements often crumble under the weight of balance sheets. The coming months will prove whether Newcastle's ambition can truly match their financial muscle.
