Alexander Isak’s Liverpool Move in Doubt as Newcastle Struggle to Land Replacement

Alexander Isak’s potential switch to Liverpool has hit a stumbling block, with Newcastle United growing increasingly concerned about missing out on their primary transfer target, Benjamin Šeško.

The Swedish striker has been linked with a summer move to Anfield, but Newcastle’s ability to sanction his exit hinges on securing a suitable replacement — a challenge that now appears more complicated.

Šeško, currently at RB Leipzig, is also being pursued by Manchester United, and there is growing belief inside St. James’ Park that the Magpies may lose out to their Premier League rivals. That uncertainty is forcing manager Eddie Howe and the Newcastle hierarchy to reconsider any immediate decision on Isak’s future.

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Isak, who has made his desire to join Liverpool clear, recently pulled out of Newcastle’s Far East pre-season tour citing a thigh injury. However, follow-up scans revealed no damage, fueling speculation that the withdrawal may be linked more to ongoing transfer developments than health concerns.

Liverpool are understood to be preparing a formal bid for the 24-year-old forward, who scored 21 Premier League goals last season. But Howe has reiterated that any sale must be “right for the club,” and such a condition includes having a proven replacement ready to step in.

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Newcastle remain active in the market. Alongside their interest in Šeško, they are also in talks with Brentford over Yoane Wissa and have recently added Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz to their shortlist. Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins is another name being considered, particularly if Šeško opts for a move to Old Trafford.

The outcome of these negotiations will directly influence whether Newcastle greenlights a move for Isak. Without a replacement lined up, the club is unlikely to part with their star forward — regardless of the player’s intentions.

In a separate development, midfielder Joe Willock suffered an injury scare during Newcastle’s 1-0 defeat to the K-League All Stars in South Korea on Wednesday night. Willock was stretchered off with what appeared to be an ankle issue late in the game. While concerns were high initially, early reports from team-mates suggest the injury may not be as serious as feared.

As the transfer window heats up, Newcastle find themselves at a pivotal moment: balancing the ambition of their players with the strategic need to strengthen — or at least maintain — their competitive edge. For Isak, the road to Liverpool may depend not just on desire, but on the domino effect of a highly competitive striker market.

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