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Newcastle's owners could end up indirectly helping Liverpool to sign Alexander Isak.

That's because Al-Hilal, the club that is interested in signing Darwin Nunez from the Reds, is majoratively owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund — the same group that majoratively owns Newcastle.

Nunez could leave Liverpool before the transfer window closes after three underwhelming seasons on Merseyside, and after Napoli dropped its interest several weeks ago due to Nunez's price tag, there are not many top-level European options remaining for the Uruguayan.

The riches on offer in Saudi Arabia could appeal to Nunez, and it is reported by The Athletic that Al-Hilal has made the 26-year-old its top striking target after seeing Victor Osimhen move to Galatasaray.

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Other targets like Benjamin Sesko and Alexander Isak are viewed as less attainable than Nunez, which is why the Saudi Pro League club is now firmly focused on Liverpool's No.9.

If Al-Hilal, funded by the PIF, signs Nunez for the Reds' reported $81 million asking price, that could be the difference between Liverpool signing Isak and Liverpool not signing Isak.

Meanwhile, Isak is expected to return to Newcastle's training ground today (Monday) after ruling himself out of the pre-season tour of Asia.

Isak did not travel across the world with his teammates, with the official reason being that he was carrying a slight injury, but it soon emerged what the real reason for his absence was.



Alexander Isak could join Liverpool

Isak remains keen to leave Newcastle — and he could yet get his wish, despite Liverpool seeing a $146 million bid for the player swiftly rejected last week.

Despite being set to return to Newcastle's training ground, Isak has been warned by Magpies manager Eddie Howe that he won't be reintegrated before proving that he is ready to give his all for his current club.

"You have to earn the right to train with us," Howe said

So that is also at play here.

"We will make sure that any player does that to earn the right to train with the group

No player can expect to act poorly and train with the group as normal."


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