Vesper

Liverpool make Alexander Isak approach to Newcastle https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6495057/2025/07/15/alexander-isak-liverpool-transfer-newcastle/ By David Ornstein July 15, 2025 Liverpool have made an approach to sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle United. The Merseyside club say no formal offer has been submitted as they are well aware Newcastle’s stance has always been that Isak is not for sale. However, they have communicated their interest to do a deal in the region of £120million. Liverpool’s admiration for the 25-year-old is long-standing, while Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike has also been among those on their radar. There has been no official contact from Liverpool to Eintracht. Newcastle are working to recruit Ekitike but have yet to reach an agreement with Eintracht or the 23-year-old France youth international. Sensitivities around Liverpool remain understandably high following the tragic death of Diogo Jota earlier this month, but there is an awareness they need to make further additions this summer. The Athletic reported on Tuesday that Liverpool’s focus when it comes to incomings is on finding a top No 9 as they seek to strengthen their forward line. What You Should Read Next Is Alexander Isak the striker who troubles Virgil van Dijk more than any other? Liverpool's captain is usually imperious but history shows the Newcastle forward has the capacity to trouble him like few others Liverpool have already broken their transfer record this summer with the addition of attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for an initial fee of £100m with a potential £16m due in add-ons. Earlier on Tuesday, Liverpool rejected a €67.5m bid from Bayern Munich for winger Luis Diaz, with the Colombian making clear he wants to leave the Premier League side. Isak has scored 62 goals in 109 appearances for Newcastle since joining from Real Sociedad in a deal worth in the region of £60m. Last season was his most prolific in England as he registered 27 goals in 42 games as Newcastle qualified for the Champions League with a fifth-place Premier League finish. He has three years remaining on his contract. Liverpool are without an established first choice up front. Federico Chiesa is considered an option there, while Napoli and Al Hilal have been monitoring Darwin Nunez. It is expected that a move for him will progress again soon. ‘Liverpool mean business’ Analysis by Liverpool correspondent Gregg Evans The interest in Isak highlights the determination at Liverpool to build on last season’s title success and dominate for years to come. Discussions around strengthening the centre-forward position have taken place for some time and were likely to advance this summer, even before the tragic passing of Diogo Jota. Liverpool have always been aware of the difficulty of doing a deal to take Isak out of Newcastle United, and understand that they would have to fix up Darwin Nunez with a move elsewhere to cover some of the cost. Yet the desire to bring in a player of his quality, even after the club-record signing of No. 10 Florian Wirtz, shows they mean business and are serious about staying out in front. What You Should Read Next Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak and the ‘explosion’ that set him on course for the top The story of Alexander Isak's rise from the suburbs of Stockholm to a dalliance with Real Madrid and ultimately to Newcastle... They have remained patient in their pursuit of a new striker by allowing other opportunities to pass and insist that a new arrival would only be signed off if it represented a significant improvement to the current squad. Isak with his proven Premier League record and tactical flexibility fits perfectly and would give an already-elite forward line another boost. Adding him to a forward line with Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz, and Cody Gakpo would create further competition and bring even more goals and creativity to the side. ‘A one-of-a-kind centre-forward’ Analysis by data writer Thom Harris Isak is a one-of-a-kind centre-forward, standing tall at 6ft 4in (193cm), yet incredibly technically gifted and light on his feet when he moves forward with the ball. He likes to drift across the attacking third to get on the ball, where he can slalom away from defenders with a unique blend of agility and power. His assist against Everton back in April 2023, leaving five defenders in his wake after a twisting run down the left flank, remains one of the greatest examples of his elusive dribbling ability. On top of that, Isak is clinical in front of goal, a clean striker of the ball on both sides. He’s scored 21 and 23 league goals across his last two seasons with Newcastle, and we’ve seen a wide range of sweeping finishes into the corners, instinctive close-range finishes and thumping efforts from the edge of the box. His emphatic strike against Liverpool last December was named the most powerfully struck goal in the Premier League last season. He’s also lethal on the counter-attack — only Mohamed Salah has generated more expected goals (xG) from fast breaks since the start of last season — an efficient decision-maker who is difficult to stop with momentum on his side. That bodes well for Arne Slot’s side, the highest scorers from such situations last season. After the signing of Florian Wirtz, this would be another resounding statement of intent from Liverpool, looking to assemble a front-line bursting with creativity, technical ability and ruthlessness at speed. ‘Potential loss of Isak would be seismic’ Analysis by Newcastle correspondent Chris Waugh Just as an incoming deal for Ekitike is not yet close to being concluded, conclusions should not yet be raced to regarding Isak. This is a mammoth prospective offer but, if the bullish stance Newcastle have adopted publicly and privately all year is to be believed, then it is still significantly short of what they would want. Newcastle have long insisted Isak is not for sale at any price. But that has always felt reliant on Isak’s own stance. The club have never expected him to push to leave but, should he be attracted by the prospect of moving to Anfield, perhaps that changes now an approach has been made. The potential loss of Isak would be seismic and cannot really be understated. He has scored 54 goals in 86 Premier League games, including 23 last season, and has proven himself to be consistently world class. What You Should Read Next Hugo Ekitike to Newcastle – the key questions answered Can they afford him? What would the deal mean for Isak? Our reporters dissect the news Newcastle are in talks to sign the French forward Ekitike is a fine prospect and has decent pedigree, but he does not have Isak’s proven track record in the Premier League. Signing the Frenchman would definitely soften the blow of losing Isak, should the Sweden international depart, but that eventuality will still dent Newcastle, given they have been adamant that they would not lose their star striker. The situation has not escalated as quickly as that yet but, whether incoming or outgoing wise, Newcastle’s transfer business is attracting worldwide attention right now.

insane career collapse from being valued at 90m euros at age 25 to less than 10m at age 29

maybe we have found where it went! Trump seen pocketing FIFA medal as he walks on stage to hand Chelsea replica club championship trophy https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-winners-medal-fifa-club-world-cup-b2789441.html U.S. President Donald Trump was seen sneakily pocketing a FIFA Club World Cup winners medal onstage moments before he handed Chelsea a replica trophy. The president was given the medal to look at by Gianni Infantino while handing others out to the winning squad at New Jersey’s Metlife Stadium Sunday. Though videos showed Trump later tucked the medal into his suit blazer when the FIFA CEO seemingly reached for it back. Infantino appeared to shrug off the incident, flashing the thumbs up and allowing Trump to keep the medal. Eagle-eyed social media users were quick to react to the clip, which went viral over the weekend and following the game, with one labeling the brazen act “The Art of the Steal.” “He didn’t play a minute,” complained another. snip video at the top link

still getting the Google fireworks, lolol

Alan Shearer reacts Alan Shearer on Cole Palmer’s performance against PSG: 🗣 "It's outstanding. And to do it on that stage, to do it against those players who have been so magnificent. PSG basically dominated europe for the year, and we've spoken so much about their midfield and everything else, and how brilliant some of their players have been, and rightly so. “But he was the pick of the bunch by an absolute mile last night, Cole Palmer. I thought he was absolutely outstanding." Shearer: "What PSG did to Real Madrid, Chelsea did exactly the same to them. They absolutely battered them. I thought they were magnificent. "What a job he's done, by the way, Maresca. Incredible job he's done. I mean, the season they've had, winning the Conference League, qualifying for the Champions League, winning this [Club World Cup]. “I mean, and they've made some really, really good signings already. I don't suspect they're finished. "I think it would take a very very brave person to say that Chelsea would not be involved in the title race next year because of what they've achieved this season, what they've just achieved, who they've signed and who they will sign. So, I think you have to say that they'll be involved in the title race."

Top 20 valued LBs still available Nuno Mendes Josko Gvardiol I still say he is more of a CB Alphonso Davies (injured anyway) Alejandro Balde overrated IMHO Federico Dimarco overrated IMHO Marc Cucurella Myles Lewis-Skelly Milos Kerkez Jorrel Hato big plus: he can play CB as well Destiny Udogie Rayan Aït-Nouri Riccardo Calafiori Andrea Cambiaso a really hard pull Antonee Robinson he turns 28yo on August 8th Álvaro Carreras Theo Hernández Lewis Hall Pervis Estupiñán he turns 28yo in 6 months Alejandro Grimaldo too old already, turns 30yo in September Ian Maatsen After Hato, I would probably go for Nathaniel Brown Miguel Gutiérrez just got injured and will have surgery, so a no go now

Free Transfer

Nizaar updates Christopher Nkunku, Nicolas Jackson and Trevoh Chalobah are among those who could be allowed to leave Chelsea for the right offer. But equally, those kinds of players could end up staying. Chelsea are pretty happy with how the player sales plans have begun. They will raise almost £80m when Noni Madueke completes his £52m move to Arsenal and Djordje Petrovic finalises his £25m switch to Bournemouth. - @NizaarKinsella

Some bits from The Evening Standard Joao Felix is in talks over a move to Benfica as Chelsea prepare to step up plans for a summer squad clearout. Reasonable offers will be considered for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, but the former Leicester midfielder has not been transfer-listed. A decision may be taken to send academy graduate Tyrique George out on loan, though he could also yet stay with the first-team squad. Christopher Nkunku, who featured during the Blues’ successful Club World Cup campaign is still expected to depart this summer. He was previously offered to Manchester United in a player swap for Alejandro Garnacho that did not go through. - @MrDomSmith

Updates from The Telegraph (Matt Law and Mike McGrath) Chelsea’s victory over Paris St-Germain in the final is expected to help the club secure a new front-of-shirt sponsor that could be worth £100 million more than the offers they resisted last year. Chelsea were in talks with two companies last year over front-of-shirt sponsorship, but that the long-term deals on the table were worth about £40 million-per-year. Chelsea decided to hold off and that figure has now rocketed to £60 million-a-year. Chelsea’s players are in line to earn bonuses in the region of £350,000-a-man for lifting the Club World Cup. The expectation within Chelsea for next season will start with finishing in the top four again and consolidating Champions League qualification, while demonstrating progress. Enzo Maresca will not be under immediate pressure to deliver the Premier League title and there is said to be recognition that Chelsea still have work to do to catch and overtake champions Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal. Some Romano updates (I think these might be a day or two old actually) They [Chelsea] want to keep going on the market. So the idea is to add more players to the squad. I will not be surprised if Chelsea add one more offensive player to their squad. Nkunku could be leaving the club in this summer transfer window and keep an eye Nicolas Jackson. There is a concrete possibility to see both of them leaving Chelsea this summer, and this is why they are considering one more offensive addition to the squad. One more centre back is also a concrete possibility being discussed internally. So I think Chelsea would be busy again. - @FabrizioRomano

how big? we have to be talking £75-80m or so he is a fucking monster defensively for a winger can run all day, and has a winner's vibe I warned he would not be a huge scoring threat, BUT he, like CuCu, has surprised me a lot with all the other facets to their games

agree

16.45pm - They haven’t stopped talking for him Chelsea have held fresh talks for 19-year old versatile Ajax defender Jorrel Hato as they explore defensive reinforcements, talkSPORT understands. Hato is also on the radar of Liverpool. Ajax quoting £60m, but suitors hoping for closer to £40m. - @JacobsBen / @edu17burgos

Acheampong is a right footer who plays at CB and RB. He has, as far as I can tell, only played 2 half games at LB (45 minutes each in two first halves) in the last 4 seasons (jr and sr level for club and country)

Many of my targets are like that, it has been that way for years. I really don't give a tinkers about internet/social media rumour whores and straight up lying major sites/newspapers.

Hato Plus he can play CB

That ended really badly for Musiala. 😞

Yes, I took it down. The real final figure is around £87.5m

He was right next to Trump for ages when the medals and trophies were given out. They talked a lot the whole time.

It is huge easy money, even if you only make it to the round of 16 or 8