Behind Liverpool’s Hidden Deal: Why Tonight’s Result Could Decide Isak’s Future

The Premier League clash between Newcastle United and Liverpool on August 25, 2025, at St James’ Park was more than just a battle for three points. It was a pivotal moment in the ongoing transfer saga surrounding Newcastle’s star striker, Alexander Isak, and his potential move to Liverpool. With the transfer window closing on September 1, 2025, the result of this match—capped by a stunning stoppage-time goal from Liverpool’s 16-year-old wonderkid Rio Ngumoha—has intensified speculation about Isak’s future. This article explores the hidden dynamics of Liverpool’s pursuit, Newcastle’s stance, and why the outcome of this game could shape the Swedish striker’s next move.

The Isak-Liverpool Connection

Alexander Isak, the 26-year-old Swedish international, has been at the heart of transfer rumors since July 2025, when he informed Newcastle of his desire to explore options, with Liverpool as his preferred destination. His 62 goals in 109 appearances for Newcastle, including 23 in the Premier League last season, have made him one of Europe’s most coveted strikers, trailing only Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland in league goals since joining from Real Sociedad in 2022 for £63 million. Liverpool, fresh off their 2024-25 Premier League title, see Isak as the “dream” No. 9 to future-proof their attack, especially with Mohamed Salah, now 33, entering the twilight of his career.

Liverpool’s interest culminated in a £110 million bid, rejected by Newcastle, who value Isak at £150 million—a figure that would break the British transfer record. A hidden clause in Isak’s 2022 transfer from Real Sociedad, which includes a 10% sell-on fee, further complicates matters, as a £150 million deal would see nearly £9 million go to the Spanish club. Isak’s public frustration, voiced through an Instagram statement on August 19, 2025, accused Newcastle of breaking “promises” about a potential summer move, escalating tensions. Newcastle refuted these claims, insisting no such commitments were made and emphasizing their need for a replacement before sanctioning a sale.

The St James’ Park Showdown

The August 25 match was a high-stakes affair, not just for league standings but for its implications on Isak’s saga. Newcastle, without Isak due to his ongoing standoff and a reported “minor thigh injury,” faced a Liverpool side brimming with confidence after their title-winning campaign. The atmosphere at St James’ Park was electric, fueled by Newcastle fans’ frustration with Isak’s actions. A pre-match flag display by the fan group Wor Flags read, “Nothing is achieved alone,” a pointed message to the absent striker. Chants of “We don’t care about Isak, he don’t care about me” echoed during Newcastle’s previous 0-0 draw against Aston Villa, reflecting a growing rift with supporters.

The match itself was a rollercoaster. Newcastle fought valiantly, taking a 2-1 lead late in the game, only for Liverpool’s depth to shine through. In stoppage time, 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha, a recent signing from Chelsea’s academy, scored a sensational goal to secure a 3-2 victory for Liverpool. This result not only maintained Liverpool’s perfect start to their title defense but also sent a message: the Reds are a formidable force, even without Isak, thanks to emerging talents like Ngumoha and new signings like Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz.

Why the Result Matters

The outcome of this match could be a tipping point for Isak’s future for several reasons:

Liverpool’s Strength Without Isak: Ngumoha’s match-winning goal highlighted Liverpool’s attacking depth, raising questions about the necessity of signing Isak at £150 million. Ekitike, signed for £79 million, has already scored in his first two games, while Wirtz’s £116 million arrival adds creativity. Liverpool’s ability to win high-stakes matches without Isak may cool their urgency to meet Newcastle’s valuation, especially after their £110 million bid was rejected. As Jamie Carragher noted, £150 million is “Mbappé money,” and Liverpool may hesitate to spend such a sum when their squad already looks potent.

Newcastle’s Striker Crisis: Newcastle’s failure to score in four of their last six Premier League games without Isak underscores their reliance on him. Their pursuit of replacements like Benjamin Sesko (now at Manchester United), Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool), and Joao Pedro (Chelsea) has been fruitless, leaving them with 22-year-old William Osula as their primary striker option. A £35 million bid for Brentford’s Yoane Wissa is in the works, but he is seen as a replacement for the departed Callum Wilson, not Isak. The loss to Liverpool exposed Newcastle’s lack of cutting edge, increasing pressure to resolve the Isak situation—either by reintegrating him or finding a last-minute replacement.

Fan and Club Dynamics: The passionate anti-Isak sentiment from Newcastle fans, coupled with the team’s spirited performance despite the loss, may embolden Newcastle’s hierarchy to stand firm. Eddie Howe has reiterated that the “door is well and truly open” for Isak’s return, but the striker’s refusal to train with the first team and his public statements make reconciliation challenging. Former Newcastle striker Les Ferdinand criticized Isak’s approach, suggesting he “went about it the wrong way,” while Alan Shearer highlighted the disconnect between Isak’s £100,000-plus weekly wages and fan expectations. The defeat to Liverpool, while disappointing, showed Newcastle’s resilience, potentially strengthening their resolve to keep Isak unless their conditions are met.

Time Pressure: With the transfer window closing in less than a week, the result amplifies the urgency. Liverpool’s financial muscle—bolstered by £190 million in player sales, increased Anfield capacity, and Champions League revenue—means they can afford Isak, but their reluctance to bid again after the £110 million rejection suggests they may wait until January. Newcastle’s inability to secure a replacement makes a sale increasingly unlikely, as they cannot risk entering the season without a proven striker.

The Hidden Deal: PIF and Strategic Maneuvering

A lesser-known factor in this saga is the role of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), which owns 80% of Newcastle and 75% of Saudi club Al-Hilal. Speculation has swirled that PIF’s interest in Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez for Al-Hilal could facilitate a deal for Isak, with the Saudi club offering Nunez £46.2 million plus add-ons. This move could provide Liverpool with additional funds to meet Newcastle’s valuation, but Nunez’s reluctance to leave European football and Isak’s rejection of a £600,000-per-week offer from Al-Hilal complicate matters. Newcastle fan writer Charlotte Robson suggested PIF might be strategically funneling money into Newcastle via such deals, but most fans prefer Isak to stay.

The Athletic reported that Newcastle’s rejection of Liverpool’s bid and their failure to sign replacements like Sesko or Ekitike (who Liverpool gazumped) have left them in a bind. The personal connection between Newcastle manager Eddie Howe and Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes, who were teammates at Portsmouth, has not eased tensions, with Howe calling the pursuit “professional, not personal.” This dynamic suggests no hidden handshake deal exists, contrary to some speculation.

What’s Next?

The Liverpool defeat has put Newcastle in a precarious position. If they sell Isak without a replacement, their season could unravel, given their thin attacking options. Conversely, Liverpool’s victory, driven by Ngumoha’s brilliance, may reduce their desperation to sign Isak, especially with Ekitike and others performing. However, Isak’s determination to join Liverpool, as confirmed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, means he may continue to push for a move, potentially forcing Newcastle’s hand if a higher bid arrives.

Eddie Howe’s call for “clarity” after meeting with Newcastle’s hierarchy on August 25 reflects the urgency to resolve the saga. If Newcastle can sign a striker like Wissa in the final days, a £130 million bid from Liverpool could tempt them, though the 10% sell-on clause to Real Sociedad remains a hurdle. For Isak, reintegration at Newcastle looks difficult given fan sentiment and his public stance, but a move to Liverpool hinges on the Reds’ willingness to pay a premium and Newcastle’s ability to replace him.

Conclusion

The 3-2 loss to Liverpool, sealed by Ngumoha’s heroics, has shifted the narrative in the Isak saga. It showcased Liverpool’s strength without him and exposed Newcastle’s vulnerabilities, making the transfer window’s final days critical. Whether Isak stays, mends ties with Newcastle, or joins Liverpool as their record-breaking signing depends on negotiations, replacements, and financial decisions. For now, the St James’ Park result has tilted the scales, proving Liverpool’s depth and increasing pressure on Newcastle to act decisively.

Sources:

Sky Sports

BBC Sport

The Athletic

Sporting News

FourFourTwo

The Guardian

Metro News

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