Report: Liverpool Lead Race as Barcelona Struggle to Finance €90m Striker Deal | OneFootball

Alexander Isak’s Liverpool Dream Could Trump Barcelona’s Interest

Isak’s Star Is Rising Fast

Alexander Isak has become the striker many hoped he would be. After flashes of talent at Real Sociedad, he’s now a full-blown Premier League star. With 19 goals and 6 assists in 25 games this season for Newcastle, the Swedish forward has finally hit elite form. Naturally, top clubs are circling.

As reported by El Nacional, two clubs are firmly on Isak’s mind: Barcelona and Liverpool. But there’s a clear preference. Isak is willing to wait for Barcelona — but only if Liverpool don’t make their move first. Sources close to the player reveal: “Isak’s dream has always been to play at Anfield.”

That line says everything. It’s not just about opportunity — it’s about ambition. And with Liverpool flying under Arne Slot and challenging for the title, this could be the moment for Isak to make that leap.

Photo: IMAGO

Barcelona Struggling to Compete

Barcelona admire Isak for his mobility, link-up play and sharp finishing — traits that would suit their style well. But admiration isn’t enough. The financial gap is stark. With a price tag close to €90 million, and La Liga’s financial rules biting hard, Barcelona simply can’t match what Liverpool can offer — unless they offload key players like Ronald Araújo or Frenkie de Jong.

There’s interest from Barcelona, yes. But it’s passive. Isak is open to waiting for a signal from them, but that window isn’t wide open. As El Nacional reports, “patience won’t last forever if Liverpool make a move.”

Slot’s Interest is Real

Arne Slot is building something fresh at Liverpool — dynamic, aggressive, forward-thinking. Isak fits that model perfectly. Powerful, technically sharp, and clinical, he offers something different up front. If Darwin Núñez is sold this summer — which is a possibility if big offers come in — Isak is already on the shortlist.

El Nacional also notes that Isak’s camp has a positive relationship with Liverpool, which could speed up talks if things become serious. If Liverpool go in, they’ll go hard — and that’s bad news for Barcelona.

Photo IMAGO

Liverpool May Act First

Liverpool are in a position of strength. They have form, finances, and a manager who wants to shape the next chapter of the club. Isak knows that. And if the call comes, he won’t hesitate.

He wants a top club. But more than that, he wants one where he can win now. And Liverpool offer that — Barcelona, at this moment, don’t.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

This is one of those rumours that actually makes sense. Isak isn’t just another name — he’s the kind of forward Liverpool could build around for the next five years. He’s quick, intelligent, and gets goals. He doesn’t just run channels or press well — he scores consistently, and that’s something the club hasn’t had since prime Salah and Mané days.

There’s also the Klopp-sized hole that Slot is filling — and so far, doing it well. Bringing in a player like Isak would show that Liverpool aren’t just maintaining standards; they’re raising them. If Darwin Núñez leaves (and let’s be honest, he divides opinion), Isak would be an upgrade in consistency and finishing.

And crucially, Isak wants to come. That matters. Players who genuinely want to play for Liverpool often perform better here. If the price is around €90m and the finances are in place, this feels like a move that could actually happen. It’s not a fantasy — it’s smart business.

Barça can wait. Liverpool shouldn’t.