Liverpool’s Isak pursuit hinges on Newcastle’s striker hunt as Man Utd eye Benjamin Sesko

Liverpool’s hopes of signing Alexander Isak could collapse if Manchester United win their transfer fight for Benjamin Sesko. The Newcastle United forward has been on Liverpool’s radar, but the chain reaction of moves in the striker market could leave the Reds with no way forward.

Newcastle have so far resisted Liverpool’s interest, rejecting an opening approach for Isak and insisting on close to £150million for the Sweden international. Reports suggest Liverpool offered roughly half that figure before walking away, at least for now. Sources indicate they may only return with an improved bid if Newcastle secure a new striker.

Eddie Howe’s side have made Sesko their prime target, tabling an offer of £69.5million plus up to £8million in add-ons to RB Leipzig. However, United are in the hunt as well, and if they win the race, Newcastle could be forced to abandon their chase — leaving Isak firmly in place at St James’ Park.

According to The Telegraph, Sesko’s decision could come within days, with both clubs making strong cases to lure him from the Bundesliga to the Premier League. A move for the 21-year-old Slovenian is seen as pivotal for Newcastle’s summer rebuild after a frustrating transfer window.

Anthony Elanga’s £55million arrival from Nottingham Forest remains their only senior outfield signing so far, while Aaron Ramsdale has joined from Southampton to bolster their goalkeeping options. Several other pursuits have ended in disappointment, with Hugo Ekitike joining Liverpool, Joao Pedro moving to Chelsea, Dean Huijsen opting for Real Madrid, and James Trafford re-signing with Manchester City.

Yoane Wissa of Brentford is another name under consideration, but Newcastle have yet to meet the west London club’s valuation. The Congolese international has returned to training while his future remains unresolved.

Speaking over the weekend, Howe admitted Newcastle have been forced to adapt their plans. “We’re looking for the best players that we can get,” he said. “Whatever our target position is, we’re looking for the best, so I see all situations open and available to us. It’s quality over quantity. That’s always been the way that we try to work and the way that we try to recruit, and I think we’ve done it pretty well to this point.

“It’s been a challenging summer because we’ve missed out on various targets for loads of different reasons, but we’re still very competitive, and we’re still in there trying to bring very good players to the club — and that won’t change till the window shuts.”

For Liverpool, the situation leaves them with a delicate wait. Manager Arne Slot is believed to be keen on strengthening his attack, with Isak seen as an ideal fit to complement Darwin Núñez and Cody Gakpo. However, unless Newcastle find a replacement, their resolve to keep their top scorer is unlikely to weaken.

The timing could work against the Reds. If United finalise a deal for Sesko quickly, Newcastle’s path to a replacement closes, effectively ending Liverpool’s pursuit. If the Magpies get their man, the door may reopen — but the price tag will remain a major obstacle.

With the transfer window ticking down, the fates of Isak, Sesko, and the two Premier League rivals are tightly linked. One decision in the coming days could determine whether Liverpool land one of their top summer targets or are forced back to the market in search of alternatives.