Alexander Isak ‘unsettled for a year’ bombshell as Liverpool prepare second transfer bid

Alexander Isak is at the centre of a transfer saga involving Liverpool and Newcastle, but the Sweden striker has reportedly been unsettled for a year in the north east

Premier League champions Liverpool are closely monitoring the unfolding situation at Newcastle United regarding Alexander Isak’s future.

Wednesday was a pivotal day as crucial discussions took place for the first time since the transfer saga came into the limelight. Isak turned up at Newcastle’s Darsley Park training ground in the afternoon, after his teammates had already participated in team drills.

But Isak, who has expressed his desire to leave, trained alone due to recent developments, which also led him to miss a barbecue organised for the players, staff and their families.

The forward was also scheduled to have a one-on-one meeting with manager Eddie Howe, their first since the squad returned from their pre-season tour of Asia. Isak had missed the tour amid transfer speculation and a minor thigh injury.

Howe was keen to get a clearer understanding of the situation, especially with Isak’s fitness status uncertain ahead of Newcastle’s upcoming friendlies at St. James’ Park this weekend, against Espanyol on Friday and Atletico Madrid on Saturday.

However, Isak’s future has been under the microscope since long before this summer’s transfer window, with the Swede reportedly unhappy at Newcastle for a year.

Speaking on the Whistleblowers podcast, Daily Mail reporter Craig Hope told Mark Clattenburg: “I have known Alexander Isak was unsettled for the best part of a year. This goes all the way back to last summer, when Isak wasn’t given the contract he thought he was owed.

“It has been a turbulent summer for Newcastle – turbulent is the word I would use. I am not for people saying they’ve crashed and burned. Every day now feels like a different rejection – we’ve seen how this Benjamin Sesko situation has played out.

“It’s back to the drawing board for Newcastle in terms of a striker. Crucially, what does that mean for Alexander Isak – well, he can’t go anywhere until they’ve got those replacements in.”

And now, Sky Sports reports that a second bid is being prepared and Newcastle are expecting it to arrive just a week before the start of Liverpool’s Premier League season. The Magpies are reportedly sticking to their £150m valuation of Isak.

Liverpool’s initial £110m bid was turned down last Friday. Nearly a week has elapsed since their first approach, and the Merseyside club are monitoring developments in the North East.

Officials at Anfield are mindful of Newcastle’s efforts to bring in a striker to replace Isak, with reports suggesting the Swedish star is unlikely to depart until a suitable replacement is secured.

There’s been progress on that front, though not in Newcastle’s favour, as reports claim their primary target Benjamin Sesko is favouring Manchester United, who have now submitted a £74m proposal and look set to sign the 22-year-old from under Newcastle’s nose.