The fallout from Alexander Isak’s explosive statement regarding broken promises at Newcastle United has dominated headlines, but the situation could be slowly moving towards a defining moment. Reports suggest Liverpool are preparing a £130 million bid for the striker. A move that would break the British transfer record for the second time this summer, with the Reds already smashing it earlier in the window to sign Florian Wirtz for a total package of £116m.

Newcastle’s Striker Search and Wissa Pursuit

Newcastle have made no secret of their need to recruit two first-team attackers before Alexander Isak departs. Their current target appears to be Yoane Wissa of Brentford, but negotiations have so far proved difficult. An opening offer of £25m was rejected, followed by an improved second bid yesterday of £40m that was also rejected. Brentford are holding firm at their valuation of around £50m.

According to James Pearce of The Athletic, even if Newcastle land Wissa, they would still require another elite-level striker or at least one with the potential to reach that level. That reality, combined with Liverpool’s looming bid, has left Newcastle in a delicate position. Internally, Newcastle are believed to value Alexander Isak at around £150m, though the club’s statement may now allow some wiggle room. Liverpool are currently unwilling to match Newcastles £150m price tag.

Just this morning Lewis Steele of Mail Sport suggested that any offer in excess of £100m would trigger Isak’s his release from Newcastle this summer. Therefore Liverpool might not have to break the British transfer record after all.

Harvey Elliott Set for Leipzig Move

Harvey Elliott is RB Leipzig’s top target to replace Xavi Simons, who is expected to join Chelsea after the Bundesliga opener. Reports suggest Elliott has already agreed personal terms with Leipzig, Liverpool value the 21-year-old at around £50m.

One key detail to watch in Harvey Elliott’s potential transfer is whether Liverpool decide to insert a buy-back clause, a strategy already used with Ben Doak and Jarell Quansah this summer. Such a clause could see Elliott’s £50m transfer fee slightly reduced to around £40m in exchange for giving Liverpool the option to re-sign him in the future.

However, any buy-back agreement would likely be set higher around £65m or more as it’s expected RB Leipzig would want to secure a profit if Elliott fulfils his potential.

England Ambitions and Bundesliga Opportunity

Elliott, admitted in pre-season that it might be time to move on despite his love for Liverpool.

“If I had it my way i’d be here for the rest of my career, I love everything about the club.”

“But at the same time I need to be selfish and see what’s best for me. I have big ambitions. I want to go to the World Cup, keep being successful. It’s still something I need to review, we’ve had many new players come in, whether it blocks the path for me, I don’t know.”

A move to RB Leipzig would give Harvey Elliott the chance to showcase his talent in the Bundesliga, considered one of Europes top 5 leagues. However, RB Leipzig failed to qualify for any European football last season, this lack of Champions League or Europa League minutes could be seen as a setback, as they’re often opportunities to prove yourself against Europe’s elite. 

Concerns that playing abroad could harm a player’s chances of an England call-up appear outdated, with Thomas Tuchel recently naming six overseas-based players in his latest England squad.

The Bundesliga is renowned for developing young players, and Leipzig are one of the league’s leading clubs in trusting youth at the highest level. Elliott could benefit under new manager Ole Werner, who has confirmed he will play a 4-3-3 formation. Elliott could feature in midfield or on the right wing, his versatility would give Leipzig added creativity and attacking threat.

If the transfer goes ahead, it would close the chapter on Elliott’s time at Liverpool, where he was once tipped to become a long-term midfield star.