Liverpool’s move for Isak is rebuffed by Newcastle, as Frankfurt reject £70m for Hugo Ekitike

Liverpool’s pursuit of a marquee striker has hit a snag as Newcastle United remain resolute in their stance that Alexander Isak is not for sale—despite receiving a formal £120 million offer that would set a new British transfer record.

The Reds, under Arne Slot, have already made major moves in the summer window, bringing in Florian Wirtz for £116m and strengthening with Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong, and goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili. But with Darwin Núñez expected to depart and Luis Díaz keen to move after a failed £58.5m Bayern Munich bid, a world-class forward remains top of Liverpool’s wishlist.

Isak has emerged as their preferred option. The 25-year-old Swede has dazzled since his 2022 switch to St James’ Park from Real Sociedad for £62m, bagging 62 goals in 109 appearances and finishing just behind Mohamed Salah in the Premier League scoring charts last season with 23 goals.

Two of those strikes came against Liverpool, including a clinical finish in Newcastle’s Carabao Cup final triumph at Wembley. Unsurprisingly, Isak’s form has attracted top-tier interest—but Newcastle have been clear: he is not for sale.

Despite Liverpool’s official approach this week, which included a record-smashing £120m package, Newcastle immediately rejected the offer. According to The Telegraph, the Magpies have no intention of selling their talisman, especially after sealing a return to the Champions League by finishing fifth on the dramatic final day of last season.

To further signal their intent, the club recently splashed £55m on Isak’s Sweden teammate Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest and are reportedly preparing a bumper new contract to ward off suitors.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano added that Newcastle want to secure Isak’s long-term future as he remains under contract until 2028.

But Liverpool are not short on alternatives. Should Isak remain out of reach, attention is expected to turn to Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike—a player who has also attracted strong interest from Newcastle.

However, Newcastle have already seen a club-record £70m bid rejected for the Frenchman. Frankfurt, who see Ekitike as vital to their plans after a breakout campaign, are believed to be holding out for £85m.

This puts Liverpool in a curious position: both of their key targets are coveted by the same club. If Newcastle miss out on Ekitike, they’re even less likely to entertain offers for Isak.

Victor Osimhen had also featured on Liverpool’s original striker shortlist, but Napoli’s high asking price and Galatasaray’s attempts to sign him permanently after a successful loan have complicated matters further.

With the window open until 1 September, Liverpool have time, but their intent is clear. Slot wants a prolific No.9, and Isak fits the bill perfectly. But unless Newcastle’s stance softens—or they land Ekitike first—the reigning Premier League champions may be forced to look elsewhere.

For now, Liverpool’s record bid has been swatted away, and Newcastle are doubling down on their ambition to become Champions League regulars without selling their crown jewel.