In a transfer window already marked by bold moves, Liverpool have sent shockwaves through the football world with a sensational plan to secure a £165m double deal, headlined by Newcastle United’s talismanic striker Alexander Isak. The Premier League champions are reportedly confident in landing the Swedish star alongside Crystal Palace’s highly-rated defender Marc Guehi, a move that could redefine their squad for the 2025-26 season.
Alexander Isak: The £130m Prize
At the heart of this audacious transfer strategy is Alexander Isak, the 25-year-old Newcastle United striker who has been a long-term target for Liverpool. Reports indicate that the Reds have prepared a staggering £130m bid to prise Isak away from St James’ Park, a figure that could shatter the British transfer record they already broke earlier this summer with the £116m signing of Florian Wirtz.
Isak’s desire to leave Newcastle has been no secret. The Swedish international recently issued a bombshell statement on social media, accusing Newcastle of “broken promises” and declaring that the relationship “can’t continue.” His camp claims that manager Eddie Howe was informed of his exit intentions last season, a claim Newcastle disputes, insisting they were unaware of his unrest until recently. Despite Newcastle’s public stance that they will not sell their star striker, Liverpool believe the player’s refusal to play and his contract situation—with three years remaining—could force the Magpies’ hand.
Newcastle have set a £150m valuation on Isak, but Liverpool’s £130m offer is seen as a realistic figure to test their resolve, especially as the striker has been training separately and was excluded from Newcastle’s recent friendlies and their Premier League opener against Aston Villa. The Magpies are reportedly scrambling to sign two replacement strikers, with Brentford’s Yoane Wissa a prime target, which could pave the way for Isak’s departure.
Isak’s potential move to Anfield is not without controversy. Newcastle legend Alan Shearer has criticized the striker’s approach, calling it a “f—— mess” and urging him to sack his agent, while former Arsenal star Ian Wright labeled his behavior “shocking.” Despite the backlash, Isak remains resolute, reportedly rejecting Newcastle’s offer of a record-breaking contract with a release clause for 2026, insisting that his future lies with Liverpool.
Marc Guehi: The Defensive Cornerstone
Complementing the blockbuster pursuit of Isak is Liverpool’s advanced move for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi. The 25-year-old England international, who has entered the final year of his contract, is reportedly close to joining the Reds in a £35m deal. Liverpool have already agreed personal terms with Guehi, and talks with Palace are progressing, with the Eagles warming to a cut-price sale after rejecting £65-70m bids from Newcastle and Tottenham last summer.
Guehi’s potential arrival is seen as a coup, especially after Palace chairman Steve Parish admitted the club cannot afford to lose their star defender for free in 2026. The Reds’ negotiations have been respectful, leveraging their strong relationship with Palace, and a medical has reportedly been organized, signaling the deal is in its final stages. Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy has praised Guehi’s qualities, noting his composure and passing ability, though he highlighted the need for adjustment as Guehi typically plays on the left, where Virgil van Dijk operates.
A Transformative Window for Liverpool
Liverpool’s transfer activity this summer has been nothing short of extraordinary. With over £300m spent, including signings like Giorgi Mamardashvili, Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, and Giovanni Leoni, the Reds have balanced their books by raising nearly £200m through sales of players like Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jarell Quansah, and Ben Doak. The potential additions of Isak and Guehi would take their spending to new heights, signaling their intent to defend their Premier League title under manager Arne Slot.
However, the pursuit of Isak has raised questions about necessity. Danny Murphy has argued that Liverpool’s current squad, bolstered by Hugo Ekitike’s promising debut, is strong enough to compete for the title without Isak. Nevertheless, the Swedish striker’s 62 goals since joining Newcastle from Real Sociedad in 2022 make him an irresistible target for a side looking to dominate both domestically and in Europe.
Challenges and Competition
The road to securing this dream double deal is not without obstacles. Newcastle’s reluctance to sell Isak, coupled with interest from Barcelona, adds complexity to the negotiations. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace’s initial £45m valuation for Guehi has been a sticking point, though Liverpool’s £35m offer appears to be gaining traction. With the transfer window closing on September 1, 2025, time is of the essence.
Conclusion
Liverpool’s audacious £165m double deal for Alexander Isak and Marc Guehi represents a bold statement of intent from the Premier League champions. With Isak’s goal-scoring prowess and Guehi’s defensive solidity, Arne Slot’s squad could be transformed into an unstoppable force. As negotiations intensify and the transfer deadline looms, the football world watches eagerly to see if Liverpool can pull off this historic coup, cementing their status as title contenders for the 2025-26 season.