Liverpool could sign Alexander Isak for a relative bargain if they adopt a brave new approach in negotiations with Newcastle. The Reds are still eager to land Isak despite improving their goal threat with the recent signing of Hugo Ekitike. Arne Slot reportedly wants both players in his squad as they go in search of back-to-back Premier League titles.
Isak is desperate to leave Newcastle despite the Swedish forward having three years left on his current deal. He has not travelled with the Magpies squad for their pre-season trip to Asia and is reportedly using Real Sociedad’s facilities to train. Even though his situation remains up in the air, Liverpool are thought to be making progress behind the scenes.
It has been reported that Isak has already agreed personal terms with the Reds, who are prepared to make him one of their highest earners. However, there has been no breakthrough at club level with a transfer fee yet to be decided.
Newcastle are said to value their man at a whopping £150million, meaning Liverpool would need to smash the British transfer record to secure a move. That is unless they can drive down Isak’s asking price by tabling a unique new proposal.
They could throw in not one, but two of their players in a part-exchange deal that would see Isak move the other way. Darwin Nunez would be surplus to requirements if Liverpool get their man, making him an obvious choice to be included.
Nunez has already been tipped to depart Anfield this summer and a move to Tyneside could benefit all parties. Playing for a club with lower expectations than Liverpool could be just what the Uruguayan needs to reignite his goalscoring form.
It would also give Newcastle an immediate replacement for Isak, which could be tempting given their struggles in the transfer market so far this summer.
Liverpool could also decide to include Harvey Elliott in an effort to sweeten the deal. The young midfielder is known to be angling for regular game time and would enjoy a new lease of life at Newcastle, who could reap the rewards of his attacking talents.
Elliott would also bring a high resale value, potentially allowing the Magpies to make a big profit further down the line. Liverpool could throw in a bonus by not including a sell-on clause, meaning every penny from a future sale would go to Newcastle.
It remains to be seen if this would be enough to convince Newcastle to part ways with Isak, but Liverpool have nothing to lose from taking a different approach seeing as their original plan has not worked.
Alternatively, the Reds could simply bide their time in the hope that Isak’s discontent will lead to Newcastle reducing their demands.
Only time will tell where the striker will be playing his football when the Premier League returns later this month. His future appears to depend on whether Liverpool can finally tempt Newcastle into cashing in.
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