Dave Davis highlights Liverpool's readiness to strike for Alexander Isak

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15 hours ago

Liverpool Circling as Isak Pushes for Newcastle Exit
Isak's Newcastle Situation Escalates
Liverpool's transfer radar has zoomed in on Alexander Isak following dramatic developments at Newcastle United. The Swedish striker, valued by many at around £130 million, has reportedly made his intentions clear to leave the Magpies, igniting speculation about a record-breaking offer from the Reds.
As reported by Anfield Index's Dave Davis on the Newsround podcast, Isak's absence from Newcastle's pre-season tour was no coincidence. 'Alexander Isak has made it quite clear to Newcastle that he wants to move away from the club,' said Davis. The saga began with whispers, but erupted when Craig Hope revealed the striker wasn't travelling to Singapore with the team — despite manager Eddie Howe previously insisting otherwise.
Newcastle's attempts to cover up the situation only added to the intrigue. Davis noted, 'Newcastle made a bit of a mess of this… the whole Celtic game where they didn't want him on the sidelines to draw attention… it's become quite clear he was never going to go.'
Isak reportedly left training early on Monday and hasn't returned since, underlining the growing tension behind the scenes. Davis confirmed, 'He only trained for a few minutes and left the situation and has not trained since.'
Liverpool Poised for British Record Bid
With Eddie Howe still publicly insisting Isak would be part of their Asia tour, it's clear Newcastle were caught off guard. Behind the scenes, the club has already begun preparing for life without their talismanic forward. Davis stated, 'Newcastle United are exploring a move for Benjamin Sesko of Red Bull Leipzig in case Alexander Isak leaves… top target should Isak depart.'
This movement aligns with speculation that Liverpool are ready to pounce. The key figure here could be Bayern Munich's pursuit of Luis Díaz. As Davis pointed out, 'For Liverpool to be able to or to want to sign Isak, it's Díaz to depart.' A transfer fee in the region of £70 million for Díaz would fund a large portion of the proposed Isak bid.
There's also renewed Saudi interest in Darwin Núñez, with Al-Hilal reportedly eyeing the Uruguayan striker. Davis hinted at this two-pronged plan, stating, 'If you can get somewhere around 70 million for Darwin Núñez, if you can get somewhere around 70 million for Luis Díaz, that is your Alexander Isak money right there in a dash.'
Newcastle's Internal Rift Fuels the Fire
This isn't just a footballing decision. Isak is said to be frustrated with contract discussions and the involvement of Paul Mitchell in key decisions. 'Apparently a lot of this is related to a Paul Mitchell decision around a contract and different bits that have infuriated him,' said Davis.
Newcastle's hesitation to meet wage demands — reportedly around £300,000 per week — could be the final straw. Though a new deal remains a possibility, insiders suggest the club's recruitment plans now revolve around Isak's exit. Davis confirmed: 'There's two targets clearly Newcastle are after — looking at Sesko and looking to bring in Wissa from Brentford.'
Even from a financial perspective, Davis laid out how a sale benefits Newcastle: 'If it is that 130 million say and you're getting Sesko for say 65, Wissa for around 35… you've still got 30 million quid to spend.'
Liverpool's Window Gathering Momentum
While focus remains on the Isak situation, Liverpool's wider transfer activity is picking up pace. Dave Davis pointed to multiple signs that the club is moving in a new direction under Arne Slot. With additions like Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz already through the door, it's becoming clear that outgoings will shape the rest of Liverpool's summer.
As Davis noted, 'We're not going to have eight forwards… there's got to be departures.' Should Díaz and Núñez both exit, the stage will be set for Liverpool to make a historic move for Isak — potentially reshaping the club's attacking future.
As Davis summed it up: 'It does feel like we're waiting for the next steps, that British record offer.'
For now, Liverpool fans will be refreshing their feeds, watching for that Friday news drop that has become a hallmark of the Michael Edwards-Richard Hughes era.