Just a month ago, Liverpool broke their transfer record to sign midfield linchpin Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for a potential fee of up to £116 million. Now, they are prepared to spend even more to land the much-coveted No.9.
Newcastle United are yet to receive an official offer for Alexander Isak, but Liverpool have indicated their intention to sign him for around £120 million.
Newcastle still insist that the prolific Swedish international – who has three years left on his contract – is not for sale. However, they have plenty to consider as they seek to sign Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ékitiké for approximately £65 million.
If Newcastle reject the potential British transfer record bid for Isak, Liverpool could turn their attention to Ékitiké. In that case, Liverpool are also confident of poaching him.
The 23-year-old Frenchman had an impressive 2024-25 season, scoring 22 goals in all competitions. Eintracht Frankfurt have been pushing for a total deal worth £90 million.
It is evident that Newcastle will have to make some concessions, as rumors of them keeping Isak while signing Ékitiké are increasingly unlikely.
It remains to be seen whether Isak will actively push for a move, and if so, what impact that would have on Newcastle's position. Newcastle also need to consider the financial aspect, given the huge profit that could be generated.
Liverpool's hierarchy have long known that trying to sign the 25-year-old this summer would be extremely difficult, especially after Newcastle qualified for next season's Champions League.
However, their approach to test Newcastle's resolve is correct, as Isak is by far the most complete center-forward available. You don't consider Plan B unless you're completely certain that Plan A is unachievable. The answer will come soon.
Sporting director Richard Hughes has also been mediating Bayern Munich's ongoing pursuit of Luis Díaz.
The Bundesliga champions saw a £59 million bid rejected on Tuesday, with Liverpool insistent that the Colombian is not for sale. The 28-year-old completed his third full season with Liverpool in 2024-25, making 50 appearances in all competitions and scoring 17 goals.
Liverpool believe that Al Hilal's failed pursuit of Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes for €100 million (£87 million) earlier this summer has set a benchmark.
Díaz is eager for a new challenge, but with two years left on his contract, he needs to carefully consider the consequences of forcing a move amid Liverpool's current atmosphere if he does not want to damage his relationship with the fans.
However, there is no doubt that Liverpool's swift pursuit of Isak following the signing of Wirtz demonstrates their determination to build on their Premier League title success in Arne Slot's first season in charge.
