Al Hilal has offered Isak a salary of 800,000 USD per week after tax, the Guardian reported on 25/7. This figure is double the pre-tax amount Liverpool offered to entice the Swedish striker to Anfield. Newcastle also made a similar offer for a contract extension.

Under his current contract, which runs until 6/2028, Isak earns 160,000 USD per week before tax at Newcastle. The tax rate in England for earnings above 160,000 USD per year is 45%.

Alexander Isak celebrates a goal during the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg in 1/2025, Arsenal 0-2 Newcastle. Photo: Reuters

Alexander Isak celebrates a goal during the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg in 1/2025, Arsenal 0-2 Newcastle. Photo: Reuters

Liverpool has persistently pursued Isak since the start of the summer transfer window. However, Newcastle insists that the striker, who has scored 62 goals in 109 games over the past three years, is not for sale. Newcastle chairman, Yasir Al-Rumayyan, is willing to give the 25-year-old the highest salary at the club if he agrees to a contract extension.

Newcastle's owner, the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF), also owns Al Hilal, Al Nassr, Al Ittihad, and Al Ahli, the four leading clubs in the country. Consequently, a transfer between Newcastle and Al Hilal would be easier than one between Newcastle and Liverpool.

While pursuing Isak, Liverpool acquired another striker, Hugo Ekitike, from Frankfurt for 106 million. They also spent 283 million on midfielder Florian Wirtz, defenders Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong, and goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili. However, the reigning Premier League champions are reportedly prepared to spend an additional 160 million to secure Isak.

This summer, Liverpool has generated 70 million from player sales. They could accumulate more if they sell Darwin Nunez, Harvey Elliott, and Luis Diaz.

According to the Guardian, Isak is also keen to join Liverpool. At Anfield, the chances of winning the Premier League and Champions League are greater than at Newcastle, who finished fifth in the Premier League and won the Carabao Cup last season.

Al Hilal is undergoing restructuring after a disappointing season. In June, the Saudi Arabian club appointed Simone Inzaghi from UEFA Champions League runners-up, Inter Milan. They also recently spent 29 million USD to acquire left-back Theo Hernandez from AC Milan.

At the 2025 Club World Cup, Inzaghi's team impressed in the group stage, drawing 1-1 with Real Madrid, 0-0 with Salzburg, and winning 2-0 against Pachuca. They then caused a major upset by defeating Man City 4-3 in the round of 16, but lost 1-2 to Fluminense in the quarterfinals.

Thanh Quy (via the Guardian)