Transfer: Isak To Replace Luis Díaz At Liverpool, Al-Ittihad Eye Vinicius, Yamal Unhappy With Rashford Move

Newcastle United forward Alexander Isak is edging closer to a sensational switch to Liverpool this summer, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

The Reds are reportedly plotting a big-money transfer move for the Swedish striker following the completed sale of Luis Díaz to Bayern Munich.

Díaz’s transfer to the Bundesliga giants opened up room for attacking reinforcements at Anfield, and Liverpool are said to be willing to table a record-breaking proposal for Isak.

Isak, 25, is said to favour a move to the Premier League champions and has turned a blind eye to offers from the Saudi Pro League. Al-Hilal reportedly put forward a staggering £600,000-per-week, tax-free deal, which the player declined.

Newcastle United now face a crucial decision regarding their star forward, with Liverpool waiting in the wings, ready to swoop.

Meanwhile, in Spain, Al-Ittihad sporting director Ramon Planes has suggested that Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior could be the next big name to join the Saudi revolution.

“I don’t rule it out. I think it’s part of the idea and plan to be one of the most powerful leagues in the world,” Planes told Marca when asked about Vinicius’ future.

“Vinicius could be part of that plan, to allow players to come at an important moment in their careers. He has everything going for him.”

Vinicius, whose current deal runs until 2027, is reportedly in a contract impasse with Madrid over wage demands. The Brazilian attacker has scored 106 goals and registered 83 assists in 322 appearances for Los Blancos.

Elsewhere in La Liga, tensions are reportedly rising at FC Barcelona following the surprise loan signing of Marcus Rashford from Manchester United.

According to El Nacional, teenage sensation Lamine Yamal feels betrayed by the club’s hierarchy.

During contract renewal talks, Yamal was reportedly assured that Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams was the only target for the left wing. However, the club failed to activate Williams’ €58 million release clause, and instead brought in Rashford on loan.

Yamal, who shares a close bond with Williams from their time with the Spanish national team, had hoped to replicate that partnership at the club level. His frustration deepened as he was not informed before the Rashford deal was finalised.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has reaffirmed his desire to finish his career at the Santiago Bernabéu.

The 33-year-old Belgian, whose contract runs until 2026, revealed that discussions over an extension are already underway.

“My renewal? Talks are ongoing. I want to stay at Real Madrid for as long as possible. My dream is to retire at Real Madrid,” Courtois told Madrid Xtra.

Since arriving from Chelsea in 2018, Courtois has been instrumental in Madrid’s domestic and European success, winning the Champions League, LaLiga titles, and more.

With the transfer window heating up, fans can expect more twists as Europe’s top clubs reshuffle their squads for the upcoming season.

Back to the English Premier League, Fabrizio Romano has reported that newly promoted side, Sunderland, have secured a major coup with the signing of Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen.

The deal, worth €20 million, has been agreed by all parties, with the Swiss midfielder set to sign a contract until 2027.

At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea goalkeeper Mike Penders has joined Ligue 1 club RC Strasbourg on a season-long loan.

Signed by the Blues from Genk in August 2024, Penders, 19, spent the remainder of last season with the Belgian club, making 26 first-team appearances. He also received a call-up to Belgium’s Under-21 squad.