Fabrizio Romano: Liverpool Must Pay £150m for Newcastle Ace

Anfield Index

·22 May 2025

Fabrizio Romano: Liverpool Must Pay £150m for Newcastle Ace

Liverpool’s Alexander Isak Pursuit Faces Massive Hurdle

Newcastle’s Firm Stance

Liverpool’s ambition to sign Alexander Isak appears increasingly unlikely, with Newcastle United digging their heels in. Despite Isak’s exceptional season, netting 27 goals in 41 appearances, the Magpies are resolute. Fabrizio Romano reports that Newcastle are adamant about retaining the Swede, emphasising a robust financial foundation and ambitious future plans.

Romano highlighted Newcastle’s unwavering position on his YouTube channel:

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“The message coming from Newcastle is very clear, especially in case of Champions League football. The very clear idea of the owners, the management, all the people at the club, is that Alexander Isak will be part of Newcastle’s squad next season.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKlbHT2CbPA&t=440s&ab_channel=FabrizioRomano

Financial Implications and Contract Talks

Isak’s contract at Newcastle runs until 2028, complicating any potential move. Newcastle’s valuation of £150 million reflects not just his talent, but their commitment to building around him. Moreover, ongoing discussions to increase his salary to £200,000 per week further demonstrate their intent to keep their prized asset.

Romano confirms this stance unequivocally:

“Liverpool had some contacts at the beginning of the summer transfer window…but the message from Newcastle was very clear. They don’t want to sell the player.”

The Cost of Doing Something “Crazy”

For Liverpool, acquiring Isak would necessitate breaking the British transfer record, an action Romano describes as needing to be “completely crazy”. The financial outlay required is immense, made even more complicated by Real Sociedad’s sell-on clause from their original £63 million sale to Newcastle in 2022.

“Same for Arsenal, he’s always been the number one desire for Mikel Arteta but they understand that it’s probably not going to be possible this summer unless they do something completely crazy in terms of transfer fee and offer to the player,” Romano elaborated.

Newcastle’s Rise as a Genuine Contender

Newcastle’s firm grip on Isak signals their transformation into a genuine European heavyweight, no longer a stepping stone but a destination. CEO Darren Eales previously stated the club would not sell their “crown jewels”, reinforcing their intention to challenge Europe’s elite rather than merely supply them.

Liverpool’s path to securing Isak seems narrow unless they are prepared for extraordinary financial sacrifice. This saga illustrates Newcastle’s shift from a selling club to one firmly setting its sights on long-term success.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

As a Liverpool supporter, it’s hard not to feel frustration over the potential collapse of a move for Alexander Isak. While the Swedish striker is exactly the calibre of player that could elevate our forward line, the financial realities outlined by Romano paint a difficult picture. Newcastle’s newfound resilience highlights a significant shift in Premier League dynamics; they’re no longer merely aspiring but actively gatekeeping their best assets.

Breaking the British transfer record seems excessive, even for a talent as prolific as Isak. Liverpool’s prudent approach under current ownership has been largely successful, but recent transfer windows suggest a willingness to invest heavily when necessary. However, the question must be asked: is Isak truly worth the unprecedented expenditure, especially with other talented forwards potentially available?

Ultimately, while Isak’s arrival would unquestionably excite Anfield, supporters must trust the club’s judgement in weighing value against ambition. If Newcastle remain immovable, perhaps Liverpool’s resources could be better invested elsewhere, ensuring the squad remains competitive without unnecessary financial risk.