“‘Thus far…’ – David Ornstein reveals the information he’s gathered about Alexander Isak and Liverpool.”

Alexander Isak is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about names in the upcoming summer transfer window, especially if Newcastle fail to secure a Champions League spot. Given his impressive goal-scoring form—having already netted 22 times this season—it’s no surprise that Liverpool, along with several top Premier League and European clubs, have been strongly linked with the Swedish striker.

Speculation surrounding the 25-year-old is already widespread, and now, one of the most reputable football journalists, David Ornstein, has shared his insights on the Newcastle forward.

What has Ornstein said about Isak and Liverpool?

In a Q&A for The Athletic, Ornstein was asked which forwards Liverpool are eyeing for the summer.

He responded:
“They will obviously have multiple options on their radar, but the only name I’ve personally heard so far – which others have already reported – is Alexander Isak.”

Ornstein emphasized that Liverpool aren’t the only club interested in Isak, noting that Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta is keen on signing him, while Chelsea and Barcelona have also been linked. However, he cautioned that Newcastle have no desire to sell their star striker and do not welcome such transfer speculation.

Despite the links, Ornstein made it clear that Liverpool would only consider pursuing Isak if there was a genuine chance of securing his signature. He stated:
“Liverpool are only going to consider making a move if Isak is genuinely available; they’re not the type of club to engage in a wild goose chase.”

Could Liverpool Realistically Sign Isak?

Reliable goal-scoring strikers are among the most sought-after assets in football, which is why Isak has been at the center of so many transfer rumors. However, as Ornstein pointed out, Newcastle hold a strong position regarding their star forward. His contract runs until 2028, and the club has no financial need to sell.

That said, a key factor could be whether Isak himself pushes for a move—particularly if Newcastle miss out on Champions League qualification. If that happens, the Magpies might feel compelled to cash in, similar to how Liverpool sold Philippe Coutinho at the peak of his value in 2018.

Liverpool have a reputation for being cautious in the transfer market but are willing to spend big when they see the right opportunity—evident in their £64m signing of Darwin Núñez and the £111m bid for Moisés Caicedo. Given Isak’s proven Premier League ability, he wouldn’t be a major gamble from a footballing perspective. The real question is whether Liverpool’s owners, FSG, believe a deal is genuinely feasible.