Liverpool’s pursuit of Alexander Isak has drawn sharp criticism from ex-Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan, who accused the club of unsettling the striker and urged Newcastle to “rinse every penny” out of them. Now, all eyes are on a potential Premier League tug-of-war that’s escalating behind the scenes.
Isak, Newcastle’s star forward, has reportedly expressed a desire to leave just as he recovers from injury, fueling speculation that a Merseyside move may be closer than fans thought.
Simon Jordan Isn’t Holding Back
Simon Jordan never minces his words, and this time was no different. Speaking on talkSPORT, the outspoken pundit tore into Liverpool’s approach for Isak, calling it “cheeky” and borderline “disruptive.”
He said Liverpool should be forced to pay “Van Dijk money—maybe more” if they seriously want to land the Swedish international. The comparison wasn’t lost on fans: Liverpool signed Virgil Van Dijk from Southampton in 2018 for a then-world record £75 million for a defender.
Jordan’s tone was almost protective of Newcastle.
“They’ve built something up with Isak, developed him, given him a platform… and now Liverpool come knocking like they’re doing everyone a favour. It’s a bit rich, isn’t it?”
His comments come as tensions grow between clubs ahead of the new season.
Isak’s Silent Signal in San Sebastián
Here’s where it gets murkier. Isak didn’t join Newcastle’s recent pre-season tour of the Far East. Instead, he stayed back in Spain, training with his former club Real Sociedad.
The club attributed his absence to a minor thigh injury, but sources close to the player suggest otherwise.
“He’s not injured. He’s frustrated,” a person familiar with the matter said. “He wants clarity from the club. If there’s a serious offer from a Champions League side, he wants them to consider it.”
One sentence.
Isak’s representatives have reportedly requested a meeting with Newcastle boss Eddie Howe this week.
Liverpool’s Interest Raises Eyebrows—And Tempers
Liverpool’s interest in Isak isn’t exactly new. Scouts have monitored him for over a year, admiring his technical ability, pace, and calm finishing. But what changed is the timing.
Darwin Núñez hasn’t convinced consistently. Cody Gakpo is still finding his rhythm. Jota and Salah can’t do it all alone. That’s where Isak fits in: a clinical striker who’s already proven in the Premier League.
But the way this story is unfolding isn’t sitting well with some.
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Isak has four years left on his current deal at Newcastle.
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Liverpool haven’t submitted a formal bid—yet.
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Newcastle are believed to value him at no less than £100 million.
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Eddie Howe wants to keep the player at all costs.
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Isak is reportedly open to the idea of moving, but only to a Champions League side.
If Liverpool thought they could make a quiet move, they were sorely mistaken.
Newcastle’s Dilemma: Keep or Cash In?
Newcastle find themselves stuck between two tricky options: dig their heels in or take the money and run.
The club is desperate to keep its top talents as it gears up for another European push. But with Financial Fair Play constraints hovering over every move, £100 million would offer some breathing room.
Here’s a rough look at Newcastle’s recent transfer finances:
| Season | Players Bought | Total Spent | Players Sold | Total Earned | Net Spend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023–24 | 5 | £145M | 3 | £52M | £93M |
| 2024–25 | 3 | £82M | 2 | £40M | £42M |
| 2025–26 (so far) | 1 | £18M | 0 | £0 | £18M |
Selling Isak would immediately become the biggest incoming transfer in club history. But it could also spark unrest among fans—especially if he’s not replaced quickly.
Social Media’s Reaction? Brutal
The response online has been swift and brutal. Newcastle fans are furious. Liverpool supporters are divided.
One Newcastle supporter wrote, “If they want Isak, they better break the British transfer record. He’s not going on the cheap.”
Liverpool fans, on the other hand, are torn. While many would welcome a striker of Isak’s calibre, some are questioning whether the club should be spending £100 million on another forward when midfield still needs depth.
And then there’s the Van Dijk comparison again.
“He’s not VVD. Different player, different era. Prices have gone mad,” a Reds supporter commented under a BBC Sport Instagram post.
Just 1 sentence here.
Eddie Howe Faces a Key Conversation
Eddie Howe isn’t the type to entertain drama, but this situation might force his hand. According to reports from Tyneside, Howe plans to sit down with Isak before the next pre-season match to clarify where things stand.
The manager will likely do all he can to keep his star man happy, but even he knows—if a player wants out, the battle is uphill from there.
Still, there’s a belief inside the club that Isak can be convinced to stay, especially if Newcastle starts the season strong. Howe is also hoping to add a creative midfielder to the mix, which could boost Isak’s goal tally even more.
If Liverpool come in with an official bid over £90 million, though? That might be the tipping point.
