Liverpool want to sign Alexander Isak – that’s not a secret. And they might have a £35m way to make it happen.

Liverpool are eager to sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle United. That’s not a secret.

The Swede was the best striker in the Premier League last season and one of the best across all of Europe. He feels like the absolute ideal forward for Liverpool right now under Arne Slot.

The problem is that he’ll cost £150m. In fact, he might be priceless as Newcastle show absolutely no signs of selling the forward this summer.

After all, they’re hoping to establish themselves as an elite club and if there are even questions about selling at £150m, a transfer will be difficult. Liverpool, then, may need to move on as it doesn’t look like a deal is going to happen.

Unless there’s another path here.

Liverpool’s grand Alexander Isak plan

Liverpool will struggle to persuade Newcastle to sell when Isak has a contract until 2028. Three years is a horrible number to deal with because the player will retain his value for at least another year.

However, Newcastle will be far, far more inclined to sell in 2026. That will unquestionably be the final year in which they can get ‘full’ value for the player.

And we think this might be Liverpool’s plan. This is a club that will wait for the ideal target rather than spend big on sub-par alternatives and there simply isn’t a decent alternative on the market right now.

Recent links aren’t a surprise, then. There’s no question that Liverpool need a striker with Darwin Nunez expected to depart and barely playing across the second half of last season – so why not find a tide-over?

L’Equipe report Liverpool want to sign Christopher Nkunku for £35m. A potential bargain price that wouldn’t empty the bank.

Foot Mercato claim there’s interest in Jean-Philippe Mateta. Again, a cheaper option who could provide something new for a year and then move aside in the pecking order for Isak.

We think this is the plan, then. Liverpool can wait it out, pile pressure on Newcastle in a year’s time and land their dream striker that way.

Okay, it’s not the dream scenario here but it might just be the smart one. The Magpies will have next to no choice in 2026, especially if they don’t qualify for the UEFA Champions League again.

Liverpool will bide their time but eventually land their man.

Rest in peace, Diogo Jota.