There’s no hiding from the fact that Liverpool’s dream striker target this summer is Newcastle’s Alexander Isak
Alexander Isak absolutely tore it up last season. The towering Swede was a nightmare for Premier League defenders, bullying back lines with power, finesse, and that cool-headed finishing fans at St. James’ Park now count on weekly. His link-up with Anthony Gordon was arguably one of the most electric partnerships in the league. Between them, they dragged Newcastle into another Champions League campaign, and the idea of splitting them up has always felt like a long shot.
Liverpool have been watching, no doubt. There’s been interest in both Gordon and Isak, but Newcastle’s sky-high price tag for the striker — we’re talking £150m territory — made things look impossible. That was until Fabrizio Romano dropped a fresh hint about where Newcastle’s transfer strategy might be headed next.
Turns out the Magpies are now “keen” on signing Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt, a striker Liverpool have also tracked for a while. The Frenchman had a breakout year in the Bundesliga, and while the price tag is steep at around £85m, Newcastle have entered the race.
Romano confirmed it himself on X, saying that Newcastle are now actively pursuing Ekitike, with clubs in the Premier League — including Liverpool and Chelsea — still keeping tabs. Saudi sides like Al Hilal and Al Qadsiah have also come calling, but the player’s focus is clearly on staying in Europe.
This changes things a bit.
If Newcastle get their hands on Ekitike, the chances of them holding firm on Isak may start to shift. It’s still a stretch — Newcastle won’t want to lose their star man without a fight — but if a top replacement is already through the door, it’s not out of the question that they’d listen to offers. And if they do, Liverpool will be ready.
With questions around Darwin Nunez’s future and the ongoing uncertainty around Luis Diaz, Arne Slot may need a new focal point up top sooner rather than later. If Isak becomes gettable, Liverpool are right there in the mix — no doubt about it.
It’s a bit of a domino situation: if Ekitike goes to Newcastle, it just might tip things in Liverpool’s favour. For now, it’s one to watch closely.