There appears to be more going on between Alexander Isak and Liverpool than meets the eye.
While it remains just as unlikely as ever, Isak could still join Liverpool and nothing makes this feel possible quite as much as the bizarre comments made by Eddie Howe after Newcastle lost 4-0 to Celtic on Saturday.
When asked about the decision to not include Isak for the trip to Scotland, Howe said: “It was my decision. He travelled to Glasgow with us but I decided to send him home due to the speculation around him.
“The last thing he wanted was to be sat in the stand watching – that wasn’t fair to him. But I’m confident he will be a Newcastle player come the end of the window.”
Steve Nicol says what we’re all thinking about the strange logic behind Howe’s comments
Liverpool are prepared to pay £120m to sign Isak and it appears the effects of their approach are still reverbrating around the Newcastle camp.
“You would have to think that Eddie Howe knows every step of every second that’s going on with this situation, because it’s huge,” the Liverpool legend told ESPN FC. “It’s the most important thing going on at Newcastle Football Club.
“So, if Eddie Howe is confident that nothing’s going to happen and he’s not going anywhere, he has to be playing him, because he has to get him fit for the start of the season.
“It makes no sense that Alexander Isak doesn’t take part in this game.
“Maybe he’s been told that something’s going on and you can’t play him in case he gets injured, that’s what happens. If Isak plays against Celtic and gets injured, that’s £150m down the drain. So, there’s definitely something.”
Surely Liverpool can’t sign Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak?
Fabrizio Romano reports today that Liverpool and Eintracht Frankfurt have a “deal in place” for the transfer of Hugo Ekitike. The deal is worth €95m (£82m) – if all – add-ons are triggered.
Liverpool have already agreed personal terms with the striker on a six-year contract valid until 2031.
?? BREAKING: Hugo Ekitike to Liverpool, here we go!
Deal in place for fee over €90m for the French striker to join from Eintracht Frankfurt, potentially reaching €95m.
Six year deal for Ekitike, valid until June 2031; he only wanted Liverpool move.
New striker for Slot ?? pic.twitter.com/iRbjZGz4Ob
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 20, 2025
But, surely – even despite the silly spending this summer – Liverpool cannot sign both Ekitike and Isak?
The only part of me that believes it’s possible is the part of me that formerly believed Liverpool’s transfer activity would slow down after spending £100m up front to sign Florian Wirtz.
Liverpool do have a lot of sales that will balance the books considerably but if a deal for Isak does happen, the Reds will be under huge external pressure to win the lot next season.
