Liverpool transfer news: Alexander Isak offered 'staggering contract' to leave Newcastle United

Al-Hilal have reportedly offered Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak a contract worth £600,000 a week tax-free, as the Saudi Pro League side look to win the race for the Swede.

Isak has informed Newcastle that he wants to leave this summer, and the striker has not travelled to Asia with his teammates for the club's pre-season tour.

Liverpool lead the interest in the 25-year-old, with the Reds believed to be in a position to sign the striker this summer despite recently bringing in Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt.

Indeed, both Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez are seemingly on their way out of Anfield, and their exits would open the door for Isak to make a spectacular switch to Merseyside.

However, according to The Guardian, Al-Hilal are not giving up when it comes to a deal for the Sweden international, with the club willing to pay him £600,000 a week tax fee in order to move to the Saudi Pro League.

Al-Hilal 'willing to pay' Isak £600,000 a week tax fee

The report claims that Newcastle want £120m for Isak, which is unlikely to be problematic for Al-Hilal, who are now managed by former Inter Milan head coach Simone Inzaghi.

Kalidou Koulibaly, Ruben Neves, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Theo Hernandez and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic are among the stars to represent Al-Hilal, who finished second in the Saudi Pro League last season.

However, it is difficult to imagine Isak turning his back on European football at this stage of his career, as he is regarded as one of the leading strikers in world football.

Isak has scored 62 goals and registered 11 assists in 109 appearances for Newcastle since arriving from Real Sociedad in the summer of 2022, including 27 goals and six assists in 42 outings during the 2024-25 campaign.

Howe delivers update on Isak exit speculation

Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe has admitted that "things are going on behind the scenes" regarding Isak.

"He’s very popular in the dressing room. We’d love him to continue his journey at Newcastle," Howe told reporters. "Things are going on behind the scenes. Conversations are happening between Alex, myself and the club. They will stay private.

"Whatever happens has to be for the best of the club. There are no contract talks taking place. That will be for a later date, potentially. I certainly hope he stays. In football, who knows what the future may bring."

At this stage, a move to Liverpool looks to be the most likely outcome to the situation, although the Reds have work to do in the transfer market, with exits for Diaz and Nunez needing to be secured before Isak can arrive.