Liverpool have not exactly “covered themselves in glory” during their efforts to land Newcastle United forward Alexander Isak this transfer window.
Isak is reportedly eager to secure a move to Liverpool, who have identified him as their priority signing with the window set to close on 1 September.
However, the Reds had a substantial £110million bid — plus add-ons — turned down, as Newcastle are holding out for a figure closer to £150million.
As previously reported by Football Insider on 11 August, Newcastle are adamant that Isak won’t be sold unless they manage to secure a high-calibre replacement before the deadline.
Following Liverpool’s interest, Isak is said to be unwilling to play under Eddie Howe for the time being and was left out of the Magpies’ matchday squad for their 0-0 draw with Aston Villa on Saturday (16 August).
Alexander Isak may need to ‘eat humble pie’ at Newcastle
Isak stunned fans with a public statement on Tuesday (19 August), claiming that certain “promises” made by the club have been “broken,” and that he no longer feels he can trust them.
The Swedish striker, who signed a six-year contract with Newcastle in 2022 after a £63million switch from Real Sociedad, is tied to the club until June 2028.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast by Football Insider, Wyness commented: “I think Liverpool haven’t covered themselves in glory either.”
“They obviously had a price for the player, but it’s not one that they obviously shared with the agent. And if that’s as high as they’re going to bid, then I’d love to know what they’ve told the agent and what they thought they were going to go in and cement the deal on because it’s not turning out to be what everybody thought.”
“It’s an unfortunate mess, particularly when he’s such a good, young, talented player. He seemed like a nice kid as well. Handled himself well. Never seemed to be in big trouble.”
“A couple of injuries, but nevertheless an outstanding talent, and it’s a shame and I hope that gets cleared up. It will be in the next couple of weeks one way or another.”
“Either he’s going to have to eat humble pie at Newcastle, and I think the fans will understand to a degree, it’s the modern game, or else Liverpool’s going to have to pay the money.”
Liverpool set to accept offer for Kostas Tsimikas
Meanwhile, in a possible outgoing at Anfield, Football Insider reports that Liverpool are preparing to part ways with Kostas Tsimikas before the transfer window shuts.
Manager Arne Slot made a strong statement about the 29-year-old’s place in the squad, excluding him from both the Community Shield and the opening Premier League match against Bournemouth.
This decision follows Liverpool’s acquisition of Milos Kerkez, who is expected to challenge Andy Robertson for the starting left-back role.
