And so the saga rumbles on. Alexander Isak continues to dominate back pages, websites and bulletins but there is no resolution imminent, not even after the remarkable twist on Tuesday.
Isak pulled the pin out of the grenade with his social media post, alleging that promises have been broken.
Newcastle countered like a boxer that had been punched on the nose, insisting no promises have ever been made.
Liverpool, as this goes on, remain on the sidelines waiting to see what happens. Of course they still want him and they will absolutely do a deal for the Sweden international if the opportunity allows, having already made a bid of £110million.
It has been remarkable watching all this play out, especially this latest development. The indication is that Isak feels let down that the promise of a new contract was not forthcoming but could there be a different reason?
Liverpool target Alexander Isak’s future is still up in the air
Isak arrived at Newcastle’s training ground yesterday despite accusing the club of breaking promises over his future
A story is circulating in well placed circles, not connected to either club but familiar with the inner workings of the transfer industry, that Isak was under the impression that a bid of £100m or more would see his release from Newcastle this summer.
If that is the case, suddenly the picture becomes clearer.
Frimpong doubt
Jeremie Frimpong is in a race against time to be passed fit for Liverpool’s trip to Newcastle on Monday after feeling discomfort in his hamstring, Confidential understands.
Much to the annoyance of fantasy football bosses, the energetic right back was substituted 15 seconds before the hour mark on Friday (when a clean sheet would have been confirmed on the game) and he is said to have complained about an issue at half-time.
Jeremie Frimpong picked up a niggle during last Friday’s season-opening win against Bournemouth
The full back has made an impressive start to life at the club after scoring in the Community Shield defeat at Wembley
Given the fact Conor Bradley has been out injured for the last three weeks and Joe Gomez is still not fully match-fit after playing just 11 competitive minutes in 2025 before Friday, losing Frimpong would cause a headache for Arne Slot.
Saying that, Slot will not want to take any risks so early in the season on the summer signing who, for the record, clocked the fastest speed in the Premier League on the opening weekend with 36.1km per hour.
The full extent of the injury is not yet known but it is fair to say he is a doubt for the Newcastle clash, with Liverpool also hosting Arsenal six days after their trip to St James’ Park.
Chiesa here to stay
Federico Chiesa has held heart-to-heart talks with Arne Slot and Co in recent weeks and is determined to live up to his full potential at Anfield.
The Italian scored a late goal on Friday night to all but win the Premier League opener for Liverpool in what was by far his best contribution yet since moving to the club a year ago.
And now sources in Italy tell Confidential that Chiesa is focused on staying at the club and that has been the case for some weeks.
Federico Chiesa looks set to stay at Anfield after the Italian scored a crucial late goal against Bournemouth
Liverpool have had no formal approaches for Chiesa amid talk that Bayern Munich have contacted the player’s agent, Fali Ramidani, over a potential move.
Chiesa wants to repay the support of Reds fans and Slot’s trust can only have grown in the 27-year-old after his heroics on Friday.
Clubs yet to meet the mark on Elliott
Liverpool have not received any official bids for England Under 21 hero Harvey Elliott in the last week, with many clubs registering an interest but none ready to move forward just yet.
As we told you in this column last week, RB Leipzig are one of the clubs keen – especially if Xavi Simons leaves – while Crystal Palace have emerged as a potential destination.
Harvey Elliott is attracting interest from clubs in England and abroad
Neither of those clubs, and others who have been credited with liking Elliott, have yet stepped up their interest and made an official bid.
Liverpool would demand around £45m for the Englishman, 22.
Tsimikas in limbo
It is the same story for Kostas Tsimikas, who has been deemed surplus to requirements by boss Arne Slot.
The Greece international had suitors at Nottingham Forest and Leeds earlier in the window but neither have formalised their interest.
His former club Olympiacos have also been credited as a potential destination, and Marseille also like him.
It is understood that Liverpool would prefer a sale for Tsimikas rather than a loan.
Kostas Tsimikas looks to be on his way out of Anfield
The Greek full back wasn’t part of Liverpool’s matchday squad against Bournemouth
Ask Confidential: who will Slot drop for Gravenberch’s return?
Thanks for the question, Jake, and it is a good one – feel free to send more for next week’s column via email ([email protected]) or on X @LewisSteele_.
As you allude to, it is a no brainer for Gravenberch to return to the fold this week after missing last week through suspension (a red card in the final game of last season) and sitting out of the Community Shield due to becoming a father the night before.
There are two options, for me… both have pros and cons. Firstly, it could be a straight swap for Dominik Szoboszlai who has played in the deeper role in the first two competitive games of the season.
The problem with that is the Hungary captain gives so much to Liverpool off the ball in terms of his pressing. There is also the consideration that in a tight game up at Newcastle, Arne Slot might want to go with his tried-and-tested midfield.
Ryan Gravenberch is back available forMonday night’s clash at Newcastle
Gravenberch could replace Dominik Szoboszlai from the lineup that started against the Cherries
Alternatively, he could push Florian Wirtz out to the left and drop Cody Gakpo. Wirtz is more effective in central areas and Gakpo looked good on Friday, so that would not be my move.
Decisions, decisions… but remember, this selection headache is a good problem to have!
Kop Kids: Danns on target – now should he stay or go?
Jayden Danns was on the scoresheet for Liverpool’s Under 21s in a disappointing 4-2 defeat at Leicester on Monday – and now the question is: should he stay or go out on loan?
No doubt, that has been a dilemma in the AXA offices this last fortnight.
For Danns, it feels like the best move for his development and career would be to go out on loan after a year wrecked by injuries saw him not play a single minute for Sunderland in that temporary move last season.
But do Liverpool need him? Looking at the first-team bench last Friday, there is certainly a lack of attacking depth. Fair enough, Federico Chiesa did well as a substitute – but what happens if Hugo Ekitike gets injured?
Jayden Danns’ future is still up in the air
Danns could be worth keeping for that back-up option alone, if Liverpool do not sign an attacker.
Meanwhile, fellow striker Will Wright made his Under 21s debut in the defeat in the east Midlands after his transfer from Salford, while fellow new signing Armin Pecsi also played.
Championship clubs eye moves for Reds trio
Lewis Koumas is expected to leave the club in the next fortnight with Birmingham and Wrexham leading the race for the Wales international, 19.
Other clubs, including Sheffield United, have registered an interest in the forward after a positive season on loan at Stoke City. Hull and Preston are also keen.
James McConnell, as noted in this column last week, also has Championship interest, while Kaide Gordon is likely to leave on loan.
But young left back Luke Chambers will be staying at Liverpool this window, it is understood.
Lewis Koumas played 49 times for Stoke last season, scoring six goals
Left back Luke Chambers is set to stay at Anfield, despite interest from Championship clubs
The 21-year-old, who enjoyed a positive stint at Wigan last season and Kilmarnock the year before, is currently injured and the plan is for him to remain on Merseyside until January.
Wigan would have been keen on taking him back if not for the injuries. He also had interest from Championship clubs and Hull City are long-term admirers of the defender who can also play in a back three.
Every little helps
Liverpool could be set for a windfall for a Championship transfer battle.
Former Anfield kid Lewis Travis is in talks over a move from Blackburn to Derby for around £1.5million and the Reds could get a small sum from a sell-on clause.
Travis, 27, played 262 for the Rovers during a decade-long spell at Ewood Park after leaving boyhood club Liverpool way back in 2014.
Former Reds legend rips up contract
Not the best year or so for ex-Liverpool cult hero Divock Origi, who is set to rip up his contract with AC Milan according to reports in Italy.
Former Liverpool hero Divock Origi looks set to cancel his contract at AC Milan
The Belgian has clocked just 1,941 minutes over the past three seasons, including a loan to Nottingham Forest – and his last senior outing was in April 2024.
After spending last year jettisoned from the first-team picture at Rossoneri, the 30-year-old is said to be ready to take a severance payment to get out of his contract.
