Liverpool are ready to move on from the Alexander Isak pursuit owing to Newcastle United’s stance and the signing of Hugo Ekitike.
According to Football Insider, Liverpool are ready to abandon the Alexander Isak pursuit following the arrival of Hugo Ekitike. The Merseysiders considered the Swede as their priority target to fill the No.9 role, but Newcastle United’s stance proved too strong for their liking, as they appear to have moved on.
The last eight or nine days have been tricky for Liverpool and Newcastle United, as the two clubs engaged in a battle of sorts for strikers. Arne Slot had wanted a new front man to lead the line following his experiences with the ineffective Darwin Nunez, and with the demise of Diogo Jota, he needed a new option there.
Alexander Isak was always their priority target, but the club were quiet until Newcastle United made their move for Hugo Ekitike by submitting an offer. Liverpool were faced with a tricky situation with their striker pursuit, and they enquired about Isak to test the waters.
The Reds were open to paying a British record fee to secure the Sweden international, but Newcastle United stood firm in their stance that the player was not for sale. Hence, Liverpool had to choose to either keep pursuing Isak in the hope that the Magpies would break or pivot to their second-choice target, Ekitike.
Liverpool have since signed Ekitike in a £79 million move which includes add-ons, as Newcastle United had backed away from that pursuit once the Reds entered the race. With the Frenchman set to arrive, the Merseysiders are about to abandon their Isak pursuit for this window at the very least.
Alexander Isak’s future is still unclear
The view from Newcastle United is that they won in that particular battle involving Liverpool despite not being able to sign Ekitike. Liverpool, after the £79 million transfer of the Frenchman, are currently happy with their choices, and while some reports stated they would like to sign both Isak and Ekitike.
With Liverpool now out of the race, Isak’s future is still unclear, as there are credible links to Saudi Arabian clubs. Newcastle United left out the striker for a recent friendly, which further fueled speculation. However, the general view from Tyneside is that the Swede will stay put and lead the line for the Magpies in the upcoming season.
