Over the weekend, it became increasingly clear that Alexander Isak has his sights firmly set on Liverpool.
A move away from Newcastle United has been quietly brewing for months and, as we reported last week on Flashscore, there has been friction beneath the surface.
Newcastle’s refusal to meet new contract demands for the striker has left the door open - and now Liverpool are preparing to walk through it.
Luis Diaz’s agreement to join Bayern Munich has shifted the conversation. It is no longer a question of whether Liverpool need a forward. Now it is about who they will get - and Isak is the name gaining momentum fast.
Sources suggest this transfer story traces back further than many realise. At the start of last season, Isak believed his contract talks would progress. Instead, Newcastle handed Anthony Gordon a new deal that catapulted him ahead financially.
Inside the dressing room, it did not go unnoticed. Isak remained on a deal worth around £110,000 a week and even fellow forward Callum Wilson was earning more.
Isak's statistics in the previous season.Opta by StatsPerform
That moment with Gordon was significant as Isak’s camp were left somewhat surprised. It shifted their view of the club’s vision for him and since then there has been a quiet sense of unease.
In recent weeks, new contract discussions have not gone well from a club perspective.
It is understood that this tension could have been avoided had Newcastle acted earlier. The damage appears done.
Liverpool’s interest has been registered and an official bid is likely coming.
Newcastle have no intention to sell unless the numbers are huge - but Isak is not currently working with the squad in pre-season and insiders say his focus is already elsewhere. He sees Liverpool as the step he has been waiting for.
A British transfer record will likely need to be broken to make it happen. Florian Wirtz’s £116.5million move to Bayer Leverkusen is the current benchmark, but figures close to the situation believe that will not be a barrier.
Liverpool are ready to spend again… and Isak is ready to leave.