Liverpool to SMASH transfer record with €180m signing – report

Liverpool are preparing a sensational summer transfer that will blow their previous record out of the water, according to a report.

Arne Slot’s side are weighing up a €180 million move for Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, according to Sky Switzerland (via Fichajes).

The Sweden international is seen as an attractive summer signing, with the potential of Mohamed Salah departing on a free transfer and a possible sale of Darwin Nunez.

Former Benfica striker Nunez holds the record in terms of Liverpool’s biggest-ever signing, having arrived from the Lisbon club for €75 million in 2022 – a deal the Reds have subsequently chipped in a further €10m in bonuses for.

But the Uruguay international’s record may not stand for much longer, according to the Swiss reports, which claims the Reds are preparing an astronomical bid for Isak and have even initiated talks with Newcastle.

The Magpies, meanwhile, are reported to have paused talks over a new deal for Isak after he turned down their latest offer.

Can Liverpool afford Isak?

Liverpool have been told that they are in position to sign Isak in a big-money deal by former Manchester City financial advisor Stefan Borson, who was speaking to Football Insider.

“Liverpool and Arsenal could afford it from a PSR perspective,” he said.

“Neither of them will necessarily have the cash available, but that can be put in by the ownership groups. I think both deals are unlikely, to be honest.

“It would be a very major signing for it to happen. I would think it’d be more than £120m (€144m) as well. Newcastle are unlikely to want to sell, even if the player would want to go.

“I suspect that, if they get the Champions League qualification, then the chances of a transfer happening fall considerably because they just don’t think anybody’s going to pay £140-150m.”

Indeed, the prevailing logic is that Liverpool will not spend €180m on one player to replace Salah, which casts doubt over the accuracy of the claims.