It is ‘definitely not impossible’ that Liverpool sign Newcastle striker Alexander Isak this summer, Merseyside reporter Lewis Steele has told the Mail’s Whistleblowers podcast.
The prolific Swedish forward is one of the hottest properties in European football after bagging 23 goals and 6 assists in the 2024/25 season.
Despite splashing £182 million on Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez, the Reds are rumoured to be favourites for Isak should he leave Tyneside.
Speaking to Whistleblowers co-hosts Mark Clattenburg and Ian Ladyman, the Mail’s Merseyside reporter Steele refused to rule out a potential transfer.
‘There’s every possibility that Liverpool go for him’, Steele told the podcast.
‘It’s definitely not impossible. Newcastle are already talking money and transfer fees. When clubs do that, it’s usually a sign of something.
‘Is it likely though? I am not sure. I would still say the odds are still around 30%.’
Reports suggest Newcastle would only consider selling Isak for around £150 million, a fee that would break the British transfer record.
The club is in a strong negotiating position, having secured Champions League football and strengthened their PSR position heading into next season.
Hosted by Gordon Smart, with ex-referee Mark Clattenburg and Mail journalist Ian Ladyman, this isn’t another safe roundtable of punditry. It’s football told differently – with insight, authority, and plenty of laughs.
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Former elite referee and Newcastle fan Mark Clattenburg said ‘there is a price’ where the club should be willing to do business this summer rather than risk a contract standoff in a few years’ time. Isak reportedly has two years left on his current deal.
However, the ex-official warned that fans ‘would go crazy’ over any sale, viewing it as the ownership breaking their promise to build an elite European side.
‘Every time I have ever heard a club say, a player’s not for sale – it’s absolute rubbish’, Clattenburg said.
‘Every player has a price. Newcastle are quoting around £200 million, that’s probably a way of saying to the league – you can’t afford him.
‘The problem Newcastle have got is Isak’s contract. At the moment, he’s got great value but if he decides to see that contract out – we’re left with a Trent Alexander-Arnold situation.
‘If they sell him though, the fans will go crazy. Newcastle should be looking to move forward as a club, to start to challenge Liverpool and Man City.
‘We all know that the chance of signing top players at Newcastle is slim. They all want to sign for London based teams. That makes it more difficult to replace someone like Isak.’
Returning to the odds of a potential transfer this summer, Steele highlighted how Liverpool’s Sporting Director Richard Hughes’ close relationship with Eddie Howe may prove crucial to any deal.
Steele remarked: ‘I think Newcastle is scared. If they’re talking money, they must fear that Liverpool are coming.
‘Richard Hughes is very good friends with Eddie Howe – if he was absolutely not for sale, then he would know that by now.
‘The fact they’re still sniffing around suggests there is something maybe that could happen in the next few weeks.’
Want the full inside story on Liverpool’s Isak pursuit? Listen to Steele’s exclusive update on Whistleblowers, available wherever you get your podcasts.
