Liverpool’s ‘goal was to unsettle Newcastle with record bid’ for Swedish-Eritrean striker Alexander Isak 

Liverpool’s £120 million offer for Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak was not only a bid to sign the Swedish-Eritrean forward, but also a calculated move to test the resolve of their Premier League rivals, according to new reports.

Isak, who traces his heritage to Eritrea, has made clear his desire to leave Tyneside this summer and has skipped Newcastle’s preseason tour, instead training at Real Sociedad—his former club—as he attempts to push through a move to Anfield.

Newcastle rejected Liverpool’s stunning bid earlier this week, with club officials reportedly unwilling to sanction any move until they identify a suitable replacement.

RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, who is also attracting interest from Manchester United, is thought to be top of their shortlist.

The Times’ Paul Joyce reported that Newcastle’s valuation of Isak stands at £150 million, a figure Liverpool are hesitant to meet.

However, sources say Liverpool’s approach was a strategic play, meant to turn up the pressure on the Magpies.

“The fact that Liverpool have now followed up with a firm bid demonstrates their determination to land Isak and also their intention to make life difficult for Newcastle,” Joyce wrote.

With just two weeks remaining until the Premier League kicks off, Liverpool are pushing to complete the deal ahead of their opener against Bournemouth on August 15 at Anfield.

Isak has three years left on his contract at St James’ Park, giving Newcastle a strong negotiating hand.

But his absence from preseason and firm stance on a transfer could create internal tension and possibly reduce his market value if a deal isn’t reached before the window closes.

Liverpool’s bid signals their willingness to make Isak central to their next attacking phase—on and off the pitch.