Newcastle have confirmed that Alexander Isak will remain at the club, despite ongoing interest from Liverpool. While the Reds are unwilling to concede defeat, they are prepared to switch focus and sign a different forward—potentially reigniting a transfer battle with Newcastle. Among Liverpool’s alternatives is Yoane Wissa, the very striker currently on the Magpies’ shortlist.
The tension between these two clubs continues following their summer transfer pursuits. It all began with Liverpool’s interest in Hugo Ekitike. The Reds offered Newcastle an ultimatum: release Isak or allow us to sign Ekitike. Newcastle chose not to budge, so Liverpool secured Ekitike regardless. This move appears to have further unsettled Isak, fuelling speculation over his future.
Liverpool vs Newcastle again
It wasn’t just a striker tale. Newcastle also pursued centre-back Giovanni Leoni from Parma. Leoni declined their advances and ultimately ended up at Liverpool instead—another blow to their transfer intentions.
With Newcastle clearly stating their desire to keep an irate Isak, a transfer showdown could resurface in another name. If Liverpool fail to land Isak, they have alternative targets in mind. Wissa of Brentford tops their list and is already a key target for Newcastle.
Brought up through Châteauroux and making a name for himself at Lorient before moving to Brentford in 2021, Yoane Wissa has become a vital figure in the Bees’ side.
Wissa’s emergence could spark renewed rivalry
Last season saw Wissa among the Premier League’s top scorers, netting 19 goals. Newcastle are negotiating a deal worth approximately £40 million to bring him in. If Liverpool cannot secure Isak’s transfer, they are expected to pursue an additional forward—and Wissa is high on their list.
In such a scenario, given virtually the same role on offer—an attacking rotation option—Wissa would be likely to choose Liverpool over Newcastle. It's simply the appeal of Anfield versus ambition in the north. With only two weeks left in the transfer window, this saga is far from over—and could take another dramatic turn.
This article was originally published on Fotbal Portal.
