Liverpool's pursuit of Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak has hit a major obstacle, with the Premier League champions reportedly having their substantial £110 million-plus offer rejected by Newcastle, who are determined to keep the Swedish forward this summer.
Newcastle have conveyed to Isak that his transfer will be blocked, despite the player’s desire to leave and move to Liverpool. This refusal comes as Newcastle have yet to secure a replacement for Isak and have even proposed a new contract with a 2026 release clause to the player to encourage him to stay.
The Liverpool squad has been reinforced in the summer by the signings of Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike, but the Reds remain keen to further bolster their attacking options following the departure of Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich. Isak was seen as a key target to fill this void and strengthen Liverpool's front line, and his acquisition would have been a significant boost for manager Arne Slot’s plans.
With their primary target unavailable, Liverpool are reportedly exploring alternative options. One such alternative is Real Madrid's Rodrygo, who has not featured heavily under new manager Xabi Alonso and might be available in case Liverpool fail to sign Isak. However, no formal approach for Rodrygo has yet been made, and Real Madrid have not indicated a willingness to sell.
Additionally, Liverpool have been assessing the possibility of signing Portuguese forward Goncalo Ramos from Paris Saint-Germain. Ramos, who has struggled to secure a consistent place in PSG’s starting lineup under Luis Enrique, could be a long-term addition if Isak's deal ultimately falls through. PSG is open to selling Ramos but aims to recoup a significant portion of their original investment, potentially through a loan with an option to buy.
In summary, Liverpool face a challenging transfer window regarding their striker recruitment. Their priority Alexander Isak remains off-limits due to Newcastle's firm stance, prompting the club to consider alternatives like Rodrygo and Goncalo Ramos to strengthen their attack before the transfer deadline.