Romano: Isak rejects £600k Saudi offer with Liverpool waiting
Liverpool's summer recruitment drive shows no sign of slowing as the club explores a potential record-breaking move for Newcastle United forward Alexander Isak. The 2024/25 Premier League champions have already strengthened significantly under the guidance of new sporting director Richard Hughes, but the ambition at Anfield is undimmed.
Isak, who has emerged as a priority target, has made clear his intention to remain at the top level of European football. Despite interest from Saudi Arabian clubs and a lucrative proposal worth a reported £600,000 per week, the Swedish international has set his sights on a switch to Merseyside.
The club's interest, as first reported by Fabrizio Romano, has now advanced to the stage of formal dialogue, with the player understood to be keen on the move.
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Forward Refuses Contract, Dismisses Saudi Offer
Sources indicate Isak has rejected Newcastle's latest contract offer, choosing not to engage in renewal discussions. The forward also declined to join the club's pre-season tour of Asia, officially due to a minor thigh injury.
In parallel, attempts were made via Saudi-owned intermediaries to tempt the player with a switch to Al-Hilal — a club within the wider PIF football project. The offer included a significant wage increase, reportedly five times Isak's current salary.
However, the response was unequivocal. The forward, according to Romano, has no interest in a move to the Saudi Pro League, with Liverpool firmly his preferred destination. Romano confirmed:
'There's nothing ongoing with Al-Hilal. Isak wants Liverpool — it's his clear priority.'
No other Premier League club, including Chelsea, Manchester United or Arsenal, are currently involved in discussions for the Sweden international.
Liverpool Plot Record Transfer Amid Budget Considerations
Any move for Isak would eclipse the British transfer fee Liverpool recently paid for Florian Wirtz. The Merseyside club believe the 25-year-old can add a new dimension to their attacking line, especially with questions hanging over the future of several first-team forwards.
To facilitate the deal, Liverpool may need to sanction departures. Names such as Darwin Núñez, Luis Díaz, Federico Chiesa, and Ben Doak have all been mentioned in relation to possible exits. Such moves could generate the necessary funds and squad space required to complete the deal.
Though Newcastle are reluctant sellers, they now face the prospect of retaining a player who is determined to leave. Should the St James' Park side decide to cash in, Liverpool are expected to be ready.
Club Strategy Shows Continued Ambition
The pursuit of Isak reflects a broader strategy at Anfield to build a squad capable of sustained domestic and European success. With Arne Slot's side now Premier League champions, there is no sign of complacency.
The arrival of Wirtz, alongside Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong, and Giorgi Mamardashvili, speaks to a long-term project led by Hughes and endorsed by the club's ownership.
Isak's addition would not only represent a significant investment but also send a clear message: Liverpool intend to stay at the summit of English football.
At present, all eyes turn to Newcastle. Should they open the door, Liverpool appear ready to step through.
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Headquartered in Lausanne (Biopôle), Switzerland, with operations in London and New Jersey, ADC Therapeutics is focused on driving innovation in ADC development with specialized capabilities from clinical to manufacturing and commercialization. Learn more at and follow us on LinkedIn. Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as "may", "will", "should", "would", "expect", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "predict", "potential", "seem", "seek", "future", "continue", or "appear" or the negative of these terms or similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. 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