Premier League legend 'absolutely sure' Alexander Isak will complete record transfer to Liverpool with Newcastle no longer 'holding off'

The Swedish striker has made little secret of his desire to leave Tyneside and join Arne Slot's ranks at Anfield, even releasing a statement accusing the club of "broken promises". Newcastle, however, have been reluctant to sanction the deal, and still hope to reintegrate the forward into Eddie Howe’s plans. 

Just last week, Howe admitted the saga was “coming to an end,” though he stopped short of confirming which way it would swing. The club’s leadership even made a direct effort to reconcile with the player. Newcastle co-owner Jamie Reuben and director Jacobo Solis reportedly visited Isak at his home in Northumberland in a bid to persuade him to stay and recommit to the club. Moreover, any sale would depend on Newcastle securing at least two new attacking recruits before the transfer window closes on September 1.

For Howe, losing Isak without reinforcements would severely damage his squad’s competitiveness, particularly after the bruising 3-2 defeat to Liverpool at St James’ Park on Monday night. However, Schmeichel believes that Newcastle will now sanction his move to Anfield, given that that blockbuster fixture is now done and dusted. 

Speaking to Viaplay, former Manchester United goalkeeper Schmeichel said: "I suspect that Newcastle have been holding off on this deal until this game is done. Could you imagine if he’d come in last week and scored three goals today, which he is capable of, that’s how good he is.

“Wait until tomorrow. I’m absolutely sure that tomorrow this deal will be done. It will be in the region of £135m, a record deal. There’s no way in this life that Newcastle can refuse that kind of money, no way.”

Liverpool are said to be weighing up whether to return with an improved bid after their initial £110m approach was swiftly rejected. For Newcastle, the decision is agonising. On one hand, they view Isak as central to their long-term ambitions, a forward capable of spearheading a new era at St James’ Park. On the other, the financial windfall of a bid as high as £135m would be transformative, especially under the Premier League’s strict financial rules.