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With his head now turned, they find themselves backed into a corner - regardless of Liverpool briefing that they now do not intend to bid again.

The striker has still made it clear that he wants to leave the club and is currently training with his former side, Real Sociedad, after missing their tour of the Far East due to a minor injury.

Newcastle will return to the United Kingdom after they face Tottenham Hotspur in Seoul on Sunday 3 August, when Isak is expected to reunite with his coaches and team-mates for the first time since his desire to leave emerged publicly.

The Magpies will conclude their pre-season schedule by facing La Liga outfits Espanyol and Atletico Madrid on Friday 8 August and Saturday 9 August, with Newcastle expecting Isak to be available to feature in either fixture.

All eyes will now be on St.

James’ Park following Liverpool’s rejected bid, to see what exactly the striker does next.

If Isak digs in to force a move or Newcastle’s stance regarding his future changes, as they continue to pursue new striking additions of their own, this saga might not be finished yet.

They are playing a game of poker and the Reds have now called their bluff.

With the start of the new Premier League season now less than two weeks away, they are left with William Osula and Sean Neave as their recognised centre-forwards beyond a wantaway Isak.

Given that the £55m signing of Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest is their only incoming senior transfer so far, you would be forgiven for forgetting that this is a club preparing for a campaign back in the Champions League.

The Magpies will no doubt see it as a win if they are able to retain Isak, but they now face an almighty challenge to persuade an unhappy player that St.

Only time will tell if player power will come out on top now.

Given Newcastle’s struggles in the transfer window so far this summer, surely the prospect of a transformative British record deal for Isak would not be lost on them.

Sure, it would hurt to lose the striker, but as Liverpool found out in 2018 when selling Coutinho, reinvest such funds wisely and it can be the difference between aiming to qualify for the Champions League and challenging to win it.

Newcastle will admittedly have to soften their own position if any move for the striker is to be resurrected.

But all eyes are now on Isak and what he chooses to do next.

In the past when Liverpool have been left disappointed in their pursuit of star targets, they have opted to keep their powder dry.

But having sold Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich in a £65.5m deal earlier this week, gifting the number seven shirt to Wirtz in the first place, they might not be afforded the same luxury now.

The Colombian’s exit had been anticipated to open the door to Isak’s arrival, with Darwin Nunez and Federico Chiesa also still mooted to move on before the transfer window closes.

Without the trio, Liverpool would be left with Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo and Hugo Ekitike as their senior attacking options, with Wirtz, the versatile Jeremie Frimpong and a teenage Rio Ngumoha in reserve.

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Having boasted six international options last season when winning the Premier League, with Arne Slot favouring having two quality players in each position, it should be no surprise if the Reds still look to strengthen.

When announcing Wirtz as number seven and the rest of their squad numbers for the 2025/26 season, it is curious that both nine and 14 - Isak’s current jerseys for club and country - could still become available if Nunez or Chiesa depart Anfield.

If the Newcastle forward really wants to be in possession of either at Liverpool in a month’s time, he will have to fight for it.


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