Liverpool saw their reported £110 million bid for Newcastle’s Alexander Isak refused this Friday, and seem unlikely to offer an improved bid. Though the offer is well below Newcastle’s £150 million valuation, ESPN report that the “nature” of the refusal suggests a renewed bid would be “pointless.”
Reports suggest that the Tyneside club are unwilling to part with Isak unless they are able to recruit attackers to fill the void — an astute stance, perhaps, but Newcastle’s lack of business suggest this
eventuality was not one the club was over-prepared for. Chris Williams and JD Nalton have reported that the player’s camp has suggested this was made explicit to them: no reinforcements mean no movement.
This seems on some level to make sense, though Newcastle failing to recruit effectively and efficiently would thus blow back on Isak, who has no control over the club’s transfer strategy. As Liverpool have learned in the past, trying to keep a player who wants to leave is easier said than done.
Though Isak did attend the team training camp he is absent from the club’s Asian tour, and is training alone at his former club, Real Sociedad. He also seemingly missed the photoshoot promoting Newcastle’s new kits.
Isak currently has three years left on his contract, so Newcastle are in a strong position to negotiate.
Based on these current reports, it seems like any incomings for the Magpies might suggest the club is resigned to losing the Swedish striker. Given this, it’s unclear what Newcastle would have done if Liverpool’s offer had met their valuation.
More from liverpooloffside.sbnation.com:
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- Catalan Press Claim Philippe Coutinho has Chosen Barcelona Shirt Number
- Rumour Mongering: Reds In For Roma Keeper Alisson
- Barcelona Claim They’ve Shown Liverpool “Respect” in Coutinho Chase
- Adam Lallana Is Ready To Compete
- Emre Can Expected to Remain at Liverpool Until Summer
