Alexander Isak had hoped to complete a transfer to Liverpool, but now he can only wait anxiously. Previously, Liverpool made a low bid to Newcastle, which was rejected, and Liverpool then stated they would not make another offer. Sources believe Liverpool are “deliberately stringing Isak along.”
Liverpool had made an official £110 million bid to Newcastle for Isak, but this offer was rejected. Furthermore, this official bid was £10 million less than the offer they made during informal contacts last month. Subsequently, Liverpool stated that, given Newcastle's rejection, they would not make a second offer.
Liverpool are actually backing out, and this move is just putting on a show to give Isak an explanation. Previously, Newcastle stated that Isak withdrew from the team's pre-season Asia tour due to a thigh injury and has now returned to train with his former club Real Sociedad.
Within Newcastle, there is sympathy for the Swedish striker, who they feel has been misled and left in limbo by Liverpool. Sources claim that Liverpool's primary target has always been Randal Kolo Muani; although Liverpool do have interest in Isak, the price they are willing to pay is far below Newcastle's £150 million valuation of the Swedish forward.
Thus, there is significant confusion and even some anger regarding Liverpool's approach. If this is a tactic and Liverpool return to the negotiating table later, Newcastle will only sell the player on their own terms, meaning Newcastle must receive a reasonable transfer fee and have a suitable replacement in place.
To date, Newcastle believe there is no reason why Isak should not join his teammates in training when the team returns to England for training next week.
