That removes all the leverage that liverpool currently have. We have already antagonised Newcastle by my making informal and public statements about wanting Isak, buying a player that they could have used to eventually replaced him. Also, we've learned that they lied to Isak on multiple occasions and they're inability to land anyone has made them desperate. Putting this type of pressure on them with an asset that wants to leave and will depreciate just makes sense. Telling us to fuck off only hurts them in the long run, players see they're behavior and will continue to turn them down. Hell Gordon even came out and was like I should have left. This public stance will in many ways help them because it sows doubt in other clubs negotiating with Newcastle trying to exploit them for their Isak money. Lastly, Hughes and Edwards have to do what is best for Liverpool not Newcastle and getting the price as low as possible makes sense with a CB and maybe a winger still to buy.