Liverpool target Alexander Isak did not travel with Newcastle for their pre-season tour

Liverpool’s pursuit of Alexander Isak has taken a fresh twist, as the prolific striker was notably absent from Newcastle United’s squad for their pre-season tour in Singapore. According to journalist Ben Jacobs, the Swedish international missed the trip due to a thigh concern. While the club reportedly conducted a precautionary scan that ruled out any major injury, speculation surrounding his future continues to intensify.

Newcastle United are set to face Premier League rivals Arsenal at Singapore’s National Stadium this weekend. Following that, the Magpies will travel to Seoul for high-profile friendlies against Team K League and Tottenham Hotspur. Isak’s exclusion from such crucial preparatory matches has only fueled transfer rumors linking him to Liverpool.

The 25-year-old forward is coming off a spectacular season at St James’ Park, where he netted 23 goals and contributed six assists across 34 league appearances. That blistering form not only made him Newcastle’s top scorer but also placed him just behind Mohamed Salah in the Premier League’s golden boot race. His consistent performances have made him a primary target for Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool side, who are in search of a long-term attacking talisman.

Despite the buzz surrounding his name, Newcastle have been firm in their stance: Alexander Isak is not for sale. Sources close to the club suggest that they are determined to keep their star striker as they push for Champions League qualification in the upcoming season. However, football is rarely without surprises, and clubs with deeper pockets and greater ambitions—like Liverpool—are watching closely.

Liverpool have already acted swiftly in the market, securing the signature of Hugo Ekitike for a reported fee of £82 million. The move was confirmed on Wednesday, potentially signaling a shift in priorities at Anfield. But insiders believe that if Isak becomes available—even at a premium price—Liverpool won’t hesitate to make another bold move.

Adding fuel to the fire are reports that Isak’s agent, Gonzalo Gaitan, is exploring various options for his client. The forward has recently been linked to a shock move to the Saudi Pro League, where financial offers dwarf those from Europe. Gaitan has hinted that all options are being “studied and analyzed,” leaving fans and pundits alike questioning whether Newcastle can truly hold on to their man.

Notably, Isak also missed Newcastle’s recent 4-0 defeat to Celtic in a pre-season friendly. Manager Eddie Howe attributed his absence to injury and ongoing fitness concerns, but many suspect the decision was influenced by the swirling transfer talk. With the club now trying to manage both sporting preparations and external noise, tensions are running high.

Contractually, Isak remains committed to Newcastle until June 2028. He signed a six-year deal when he joined from Real Sociedad in 2022. Despite this, contracts in modern football rarely guarantee loyalty, especially when major clubs like Liverpool come calling. It’s also worth noting that Isak is currently the fourth-highest earner at Newcastle, taking home £120,000 a week—an amount Liverpool could easily surpass.

As the transfer window progresses, it remains to be seen whether Liverpool will reignite their interest in Isak more aggressively. With the Ekitike deal finalized, many believed that Klopp’s attacking signings were complete. But given Salah’s advancing age and Darwin Núñez’s inconsistency, a player of Isak’s caliber still fits into the long-term plan.

The coming weeks will be critical. Newcastle’s pre-season campaign is designed to test squad cohesion and form before the Premier League returns. If Isak remains absent from further matches or training sessions, speculation is bound to spiral. Whether this is merely an injury precaution or the calm before a transfer storm is anyone’s guess.

Liverpool fans will be watching closely. With strong financial backing and an ambitious summer rebuild underway, the Merseyside giants could still have one final trick up their sleeve—and Isak could be the crown jewel in their transfer window.