David Ornstein has provided his latest on the Alexander Isak situation this summer.

The Alexander Isak to Liverpool transfer saga began gaining momentum in the early summer months of 2025, with reports emerging as early as May that the Premier League champions were eyeing the Swedish striker as their “dream target”.

Liverpool’s interest was initially described as exploratory, with the club identifying Isak as their ideal No.



9 option following their title-winning campaign under Arne Slot.

'We know': David Ornstein explains why there's been another hold up in Liverpool signing Milos Kerkez	Liverpool already know next transfer move after Kerkez deal is complete – David Ornstein	David Ornstein clarifies next Liverpool step after Milos Kerkez

Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Liverpool had considered Isak their “dream target since day one,” though he cautioned that any deal would “remain complicated” due to Newcastle’s strong negotiating position.

Following the initial burst of interest, the Isak transfer speculation appeared to cool for a few weeks as the Reds focused on getting the likes of Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz through the door.

The transfer saga has dramatically reignited in the past week, with multiple reports suggesting Liverpool are preparing to make a serious move for the Newcastle striker.

The Times reported that Liverpool could make an offer in July, with funds to use despite all the high-profile business already.

Now David Ornstein has revealed it will not be an easy transfer at all, and revealed some of the factors at play while speaking on the Athletic FC Youtube channel:

“The situation with Isak has been spoken about so much, and we don’t want to sort of inflame it at all: Newcastle have no intention of selling him whatsoever,” he began.

“Their plan is to keep him, they would like to renew his contract.”

“There’s no sign of a renewal at this point, but they’re in a strong position: they’ve got three years on his terms, he’s already being paid extremely well.

They’re heading back into the Champions League next season which gives him football at the top tier of European competition.”

The transfer journalist added that the Swede looks happy at St James’ Park, and warned that Liverpool has plenty of work to do on potential outgoings before committing to a very pricey Isak deal:

“He does look to be happy.

I don’t know what goes on behind the scenes, but all we do know is what we see, and he’s always got a smile on his face and he’s always excelling when he’s fit.”

“You can imagine Liverpool trying…it doesn’t mean they’ll succeed.

Not just on the transfer fee, but the salary.”

Having already secured four major signings this summer, Liverpool appear to be positioning themselves for one final blockbuster move.

The club’s pursuit of a new striker has intensified following Darwin Nunez’s expected departure to Napoli, with reports suggesting the Uruguayan has already agreed to the move.

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