Liverpool’s chase for Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak has reportedly cooled, with the Reds now turning their attention toward Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyökeres and other forward options.
As of June 25, 2025, Arne Slot’s side is shifting strategy after spending £185.5 million this summer on Florian Wirtz (£116m), Milos Kerkez (£40m), and Jeremie Frimpong (£29.5m).
Newcastle’s valuation of Isak—between £150m and £200m—has been a major roadblock, discouraging Liverpool from pushing ahead with a deal.
Despite Isak’s standout 2024/25 season—27 goals and 6 assists in 42 matches—the financial demands have pushed Liverpool to seek more affordable alternatives.
Although Isak reportedly had interest in a move to Anfield, especially to link up with Mohamed Salah and Wirtz, Newcastle’s refusal to negotiate—turning down a £61m offer from another club—has all but ended the talks.
Liverpool are now prioritizing 26-year-old Viktor Gyökeres, who had a prolific campaign at Sporting with 43 goals and 15 assists in 50 games.
With a price tag of £70–80m, Gyökeres offers a more financially reasonable option.
Other names under consideration include Hugo Ekitike (Eintracht Frankfurt), Benjamin Šeško (RB Leipzig), and Victor Osimhen (Napoli), with Ekitike reportedly moving up the list after recent talks with his camp.
The push for a striker comes as Darwin Núñez edges closer to a Napoli switch, and Federico Chiesa is also rumored to be heading out.
Liverpool’s decision to step away from Isak is seen as a more calculated approach amid their recent heavy spending.
The £35m sale of Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen has helped offset some costs, but balancing the books remains a priority.
While some fans are disappointed about missing out on Isak’s Premier League-proven talent, others welcome the focus on more cost-effective, high-potential targets like Gyökeres.
With the new season fast approaching, Liverpool’s next move in the striker market could prove crucial in their quest to retain domestic dominance and compete in Europe.
