Liverpool Make ‘Deliberate’ Move to Complete Record Isak Deal

Liverpool opted against diving straight into making an improved offer for Alexander Isak when their initial proposal was turned down as influential figures at Anfield did not want to run the risk of agitating Newcastle United when they were still trying to convince him to stay in his current surroundings, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.

Although Hugo Ekitike has made a promising start to his Reds career, thanks to finding the back of the net in all three competitive outings since his switch worth up to £79million from Eintracht Frankfurt, boss Arne Slot has remained determined to secure additional firepower before Monday’s 7pm transfer deadline.

Having sealed a 3-2 victory over Newcastle earlier this week, with teenage talent Rio Ngumoha becoming Liverpool’s youngest ever goalscorer following his stoppage time winner, the Merseyside heavyweights are keen to raid St James’ Park at the eleventh-hour despite biding their time.

Reds Did Not Want to Cause Friction Over Isak

Liverpool made a deliberate decision to hold back from lodging a second bid for Isak earlier in the transfer window as they were wary of causing increased friction with Newcastle, according to GMS sources, but they are preparing to return to the negotiating table in the coming days.

The Reds’ recruitment team were forced to return to the drawing board when they had a £110million offer rejected by their domestic counterparts, who have been seeking in the region of £150million, and they have been carefully formulating a plan as they continue seeking to land the striker.

GMS sources have been informed that Liverpool have remained in loose contact over a record deal for Isak, who got his name on the scoresheet 27 times in all competitions last season, but there were fears that pushing too hard in their pursuit could result in Newcastle becoming increasingly frustrated and refusing to do any business with them.

That resulted in the reigning Premier League champions choosing to play the waiting game, even though there has been an awareness that the 25-year-old is determined to head to Anfield despite Magpies chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan visiting his home in a last-ditch attempt to force him into making a U-turn.

Liverpool have been confident that Isak’s desire to join them would keep the door ajar for a potential switch in the final days of the summer transfer window, GMS sources have learned, and Newcastle have always anticipated that Slot will make another attempt to test their resolve before the fast-approaching deadline.

Slot Prepares to Make an Improved Isak Offer

GMS sources have been told that the true measure of Liverpool’s respect for Newcastle is set to be reflected in the size of their forthcoming offer for Isak, with there being confidence that they can now try their luck a second time after the Magpies have moved to within touching distance of landing Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart.

Although it has been acknowledged that the Sweden international could still be forced to stay at St James’ Park, thanks to him still having three years remaining on his £120,000-per-week contract, the Reds are optimistic about their chances of getting the deal over the line ahead of the transfer window slamming shut.

Liverpool were conscious of the fact that returning with a second proposal so soon after their initial bid was snubbed could irk Newcastle and ruin their hopes to add him to the squad, GMS sources understand, but Woltemade’s imminent move to Tyneside has resulted in plans being made to up the ante.

GMS sources recently revealed that the Reds are tempted to turn their attention towards signing Rodrygo from Real Madrid if they are unable to get the last-minute deal over the line, but they would be in danger of facing competition from the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal for his signature.

All statistics courtesy of Sofascore – correct as of 29/08/2025

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