Despite an early rejection just hours ago, things have done a complete 180 — and now it’s officially happening!

In one of the most dramatic twists of the 2025 summer transfer window, Liverpool have pulled off a sensational coup by closing in on the signing of Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, just hours after reports suggested they had been ruled out of the race. The turnaround has sent shockwaves across the Premier League and ignited a frenzy among the Anfield faithful.

Earlier in the day, reports indicated that Newcastle were standing firm, rejecting all approaches for their prized forward. Liverpool, it seemed, had accepted defeat and shifted focus to other targets. Manchester United, desperate to land a proven striker under new manager Ruben Amorim, even emerged as favorites to hijack the deal. But just as hope faded, the pendulum swung wildly in Liverpool’s favor.

Thanks to a combination of Arne Slot’s unwavering desire, the club’s proactive financial team, and a powerful pitch highlighting Liverpool’s ambitious project, the Reds are now on the verge of sealing a transfer that seemed impossible only hours ago. A verbal agreement has reportedly been reached between Isak and Liverpool on a staggering six-year contract worth £250,000 per week.

That salary makes the Swedish international one of the top earners at Anfield, placing him just behind stars like Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah. It also highlights how far Liverpool were willing to go to secure a player they view as essential to their Premier League and Champions League ambitions.

Isak’s decision to choose Liverpool over a more lucrative offer from Saudi Arabian giants Al-Hilal, who were prepared to offer £600,000 per week, speaks volumes. His ambition to compete in the Champions League, win major trophies, and play in a high-press attacking system under Slot proved more compelling than the eye-watering Middle Eastern paycheck.

Sources close to the player suggest that Isak had grown frustrated with his situation at Newcastle. Despite being one of the league’s top scorers last season with 25 goals in 40 matches, he remained on a £120,000-a-week deal. Repeated requests for an improved contract reportedly fell on deaf ears, and the tipping point came when he was excluded from Newcastle’s pre-season tour.

Slot sees Isak as the perfect focal point for his 4-2-3-1 system. The Swede’s intelligent movement, clinical finishing, and ability to link up with wingers like Salah and newcomer Hugo Ekitike offer a dynamic dimension Liverpool sorely missed at times last season. Isak’s versatility and experience in the Premier League make him a plug-and-play option who can immediately deliver results.

The transfer fee is expected to exceed £150 million, a figure that would make Isak the most expensive signing in Liverpool’s history and one of the priciest deals in British football. However, club insiders insist the move remains within financial reach, largely due to the club’s sustainable model and recent high-profile sales. Luis Díaz’s move to Bayern Munich for £66 million has already created room in the budget, and with possible exits for Darwin Núñez or Harvey Elliott, further funds may be unlocked.

Despite Eddie Howe’s insistence that Isak is not for sale, the mood at St. James’ Park has shifted. Club sources suggest that while Newcastle remain reluctant, they would consider a sale if their valuation is met in full. The Magpies are already scouting replacements, wary of fan backlash but conscious of Financial Fair Play constraints.

Liverpool are pushing hard to finalize the deal before the start of the new season, which kicks off in just two weeks. Slot wants his squad settled and firing early, and pairing Isak with Ekitike could form one of the most fearsome attacking duos in England. It would also send a clear message to Manchester City and Arsenal that Liverpool are back in the title race.

This potential signing isn’t just about football—it’s also a psychological win. After being rejected initially and nearly losing Isak to a Premier League rival, Liverpool’s resilience and strategic brilliance have turned a major loss into a massive gain. Manchester United, having come close, are now left scrambling for alternatives.

As it stands, the deal is not only close—it feels inevitable. Isak’s camp is preparing for relocation, medicals could be scheduled within days, and official confirmation might follow shortly after. The transfer window still has weeks to go, but Liverpool may have just won the biggest battle of the summer.