Newcastle striker Alexander Isak did not join his teammates for their pre-season tour of Singapore, fueling speculation about a potential move to Liverpool.
The Magpies have attributed his absence to a minor thigh injury, with a precautionary scan showing no serious damage, but the timing has intensified rumors of a blockbuster transfer.
Liverpool have been active in the transfer market, having secured Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike for a reported 106 million dollars, pushing their summer spending close to 300 million dollars.
The Reds have already bolstered their squad with high-profile signings like Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, and Jeremie Frimpong, backing manager Arne Slot after his Premier League triumph in his debut season.
Despite the addition of Ekitike, Liverpool remain keen on Isak, having approached Newcastle with a willingness to pay 120 million dollars for the Swedish international.
Newcastle, fresh off a fifth-place finish and Champions League qualification, have repeatedly stated their desire to keep Isak, who scored 23 Premier League goals last season. Manager Eddie Howe has emphasized the striker’s importance, stating after a recent friendly, “We have a few players who are irreplaceable. Your top players are so hard to find, so we’re desperate to keep him.”
However, Howe also acknowledged the challenges of transfer speculation, noting, “It’s difficult for me to give 100% clarity on any player. Alex is happy at Newcastle; he loves the players and staff.”
Transfer expert Ben Jacobs has suggested that Liverpool could still pursue a record-breaking bid for Isak, describing the situation as a “perfect storm.”
Speaking on The Latte Firm, Jacobs said, “With Howe’s comments about resting Isak, then citing speculation, and photos of him training alone, suitors like Liverpool will feel encouraged. If Darwin Nunez or Luis Diaz leave, Liverpool might place a British record bid.”
Jacobs also noted on X that Isak’s absence from the Asia tour, despite a clear scan, has only heightened interest from potential buyers.
Newcastle, however, have remained firm, with sources indicating they view Isak as central to their ambitions.
As Newcastle prepare to face Arsenal in Singapore, followed by matches in South Korea, the absence of their talisman raises questions.
Is it merely a precaution, or a sign of an impending transfer? Liverpool’s pursuit of Isak signals their intent to dominate, but Newcastle’s resolve to retain their star striker will make this one of the transfer window’s most compelling battles.
