THE LONG AND WINDING ROAD TO ANFIELD

BLOCKBUSTER ISAK DEAL ENDS A SUMMER SAGA

- By Chris McKenna

WHEN Liverpool made a bid of £110million for Alexander Isak on August 1, they were taken aback by how forcefully the offer was rejected by Newcastle.

So much so that the Reds decided they would not reengage with the Magpies until they received encouragement.

It was a huge bid but Newcastle were not willing to discuss terms.

Yet Liverpool were aware that the Sweden striker was effectively on strike, trying to force the move. There was plenty in their favour.

The valuation of £150m was never a figure the Premier League champions would go to.

That was made clear from the off and a compromise would have to be reached.

Isak then doubled down on his determination to leave, during a meeting with members of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which holds the majority stake in the club, and co-owner Jamie Reuben.

But despite offers of more money and the introduction of a release clause written into a new deal, Newcastle knew the time had come to get back around the negotiating table.