First time, second time...sold?

There’s no more time for calculations or mind games. The final showdown between Liverpool and Newcastle over Alexander Isak is about to begin.

The Swede has spent the entire summer pushing for a move to Liverpool – refusing to train with the Magpies, going on strike, showing his frustration – and it now looks like he’ll get his wish and move to Anfield. In what would be the biggest transfer in Premier League history!

A month after Newcastle rejected Liverpool’s opening bid of 127 million euros for Isak and tried to convince him to change his mind, negotiations are back on. Newcastle have accepted the fact that Isak no longer wants to play for them – and they intend to make Liverpool pay heavily.

Insiders in England generally agree on the financial framework of what comes next. Liverpool are expected to return with an improved bid worth around 150 million euros, plus bonuses that could prove decisive.

Newcastle, however, won’t give in even for 150 million euros, as they value Isak at that figure in pounds. Translated into euros, that means Newcastle want at least 170 million euros. Liverpool will need to reach that figure through a fixed fee and achievable bonuses – and they seem willing to do so.

Captain’s outcry: "We miss Isak, he is the best"

That would make Isak the most expensive signing in Premier League history, surpassing the record Liverpool already set earlier this summer with Florian Wirtz’s 125 million euros transfer. Only two deals in the history of football would be more expensive: Neymar and Kylian Mbappe’s moves to Paris Saint-Germain.

A crucial factor in reopening negotiations was Newcastle’s success last night in securing Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart. The powerful forward is moving to St. James’ Park in a mega-transfer worth 90 million euros including bonuses. Stuttgart had previously turned down Bayern Munich offers of up to 60 million euros, but couldn’t refuse this one.

Newcastle secure a blockbuster move, can Isak go now?

With Woltemade on board as Isak’s replacement, Newcastle are already considering how to reinvest the money they will receive – and there will be plenty left over. They are targeting another striker and a midfielder.

Their attacking options include Yoane Wissa and Jorgen Strand Larsen. Brentford have already rejected two bids for Wissa, the latest worth more than 45 million euros, while Wolves’ asking price for their striker is around 70 million euros.

A midfielder is also on the agenda, though Newcastle are unlikely to spend 100 million euros on Fermin Lopez. A more realistic option is Davide Frattesi from Inter, potentially on loan with an obligation to buy for 40 million euros.

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Everything depends on Isak’s transfer.

The next move is Liverpool’s.