Liverpool's ambitious plans to sign Swedish striker Alexander Isak have been dealt a significant blow, with Newcastle United delivering a firm and unequivocal message: their star man is not for sale at any price.
The Reds, under new head coach Arne Slot, had identified the 24-year-old as a primary target to bolster their attacking options. However, any hopes of a big-money summer deal have been swiftly extinguished by the Magpies' hierarchy, who are determined to build their team around the prolific forward.
Newcastle's Stance: A Firm 'Not For Sale'
Sources close to the North-East club indicate that there is absolutely no appetite to entertain offers for Isak. Despite the need to comply with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), Newcastle's owners view the striker as fundamental to their long-term project. His departure is considered unthinkable, a sentiment that has been communicated directly to Liverpool's decision-makers.
This hardline stance leaves Liverpool's sporting director, Richard Hughes, with a pressing need to pivot to alternative targets as the transfer window heats up.
Plan B: Hugo Ekitike Emerges as a Viable Alternative
With the door slammed shut on an Isak transfer, attention at Anfield has turned to Paris Saint-Germain's Hugo Ekitike. The 21-year-old French forward represents a more financially accessible option and is believed to be available for a fraction of Isak's potential fee.
Ekitike spent the previous season on loan at Eintracht Frankfurt and is deemed surplus to requirements at PSG. A permanent move is on the cards, and Liverpool are reportedly preparing to test the waters with an initial offer.
This situation presents a classic transfer window dilemma:
- Chasing the Unattainable: Persisting with a top-target despite a public rejection.
- The Smart Pivot: Shifting focus to a promising, more affordable alternative.
- Financial Constraints: Navigating the market without the unlimited funds of state-owned rivals.
For now, it appears Liverpool are opting for pragmatism. While the allure of Isak is undeniable, the reality of Newcastle's resistance makes a deal highly improbable. The pursuit of Ekitike suggests the Anfield recruitment team is already moving on to more realistic goals.
