Should Liverpool Sign Alexander Isak?

With preseason in full swing and Liverpool gearing up to defend their league title under Arne Slot, one question keeps popping up in fan circles and pundit chats alike: Should the Reds make a move for Alexander Isak? It’s no secret Liverpool is in the market for a top-tier striker.

Darwin Núñez hasn’t quite hit the heights expected of him and is headed to Napoli, as it seems. Also taken into consideration the untimely, tragic demise of Diogo Jota, there’s a sense that the club is preparing for something bigger. That “something” might just be wearing black and white up in Newcastle.

Isak: The Full Package?

Alexander Isak is not just another forward with promise. He’s one of the most complete strikers in Europe. Since joining Newcastle in 2022, the Swedish forward has become a menace for defenders. He’s racked up 54 goals in just 86 games. That’s not just impressive, that is elite. Last season alone, he bagged 23 in the league, finishing just behind Mo Salah and Erling Haaland.

What makes him special is how rounded his game is. He’s tall (6’3”), powerful, lightning quick, and technically sound. He can drop deep, play on the shoulder, dribble past you, or take a clever first-time finish. Whether it’s a tap-in or a rocket into the top corner, he’s got it in his locker. He could even operate on the wing as well. With Florian Wirtz just arriving at the club for a record transfer fee, they could both light up the league, combining with Mo Salah. On paper, it looks like they’ll go on and defend their league crown once again. 

Defensively, he puts in a shift too, precisely the kind of striker who would thrive in a high-press system like Liverpool. From a tactical and footballing perspective, Isak is as good a fit for Liverpool as you’ll find on the market. No wonder he’s become such a hot name behind the scenes at Anfield.

The One Big Problem: Newcastle

Now for the hard part, convincing Newcastle to let him go. They don’t want to. Eddie Howe has made it clear that Isak is central to their plans. The word from inside the club is that they’re “not even entertaining” offers. No push from the player, no open door.

If they want to climb the ladder and seriously challenge the top four and compete in the Champions League, keeping hold of players like Isak is a must. Reports suggest it would take a jaw-dropping offer, something close to €180 million, even to tempt the Magpies. That’s well over £150 million, which would blow Liverpool’s current record out of the water, which was just broken.

Despite Wirtz signing for around €136 million, it’s still not clear whether Liverpool would go back-to-back on deals of that magnitude. FSG has money to spend, but their approach has always been calculated. A second mega-transfer would need to be backed by significant outgoings, perhaps Núñez himself.

Would Isak Even Want the Move?

Interestingly, this part might work in Liverpool’s favor. There’s quiet talk that Isak is open to joining the Reds. He’s reportedly “very interested” in Champions League football and views Liverpool as a club that fits his ambitions.  It’s not a case of him being unhappy at Newcastle; they also offer the biggest European stages, but the pull of Anfield is strong. That said, his contract isn’t up, and there’s been no indication he’ll hand in a transfer request. If this move happens, it’ll be because Liverpool goes all-in and Newcastle softens its stance.

What If They Don’t Get Him?

If Newcastle refuse to budge and Liverpool opt not to break the bank, there’s a strong Plan B, which could be Hugo Ekitike. The 22-year-old Frenchman has been tearing it up at Eintracht Frankfurt, 22 goals, 12 assists last season, and he’s on Liverpool’s radar. At around €80–90 million, he’s much more affordable and offers long-term upside.

The only twist here is that Newcastle is also reportedly chasing Ekitike. If they land him, that could be the only scenario where they’d consider selling Isak, though that’s all speculation for now. Still, if you’re Liverpool and have the cash, Isak should be your number one. He’s a ready-made superstar, not a prospect.

Final Thoughts 

So, should Liverpool go for it? If we’re talking purely football, then yes. Isak could elevate this team even further. He has the talent, experience, and profile to lead the line at Anfield for years. On paper, the deal looks near impossible unless Newcastle makes a surprise twist. That could happen if they sign a striker like Ekitike or get a crazy offer they can’t refuse.

Right now, what are the chances of signing Isak? Around 30%. There’s a route, but it’s expensive and full of ifs. Still, FSG surprised everyone with the Wirtz deal. If they’re serious about going big and building something special under Slot, then going for Isak could happen.