Just when you think the transfer window is going to zig, it zags. Such was the case on Friday when we learned Liverpool were pulling back their interest in Alexander Isak following a rejected bid.
It's been made clear for awhile that the player wants a move, the Reds want the move, but Newcastle United are still holding firm in their valuation of the situation.
Let's catch you up on the most dramatic transfer saga of the summer.
What Happened?
Liverpool came to the table with a clear offer of £110 million, all upfront with no add-ons, for Isak. The Magpies flatly rejected the bid.
It was this rejection that has now created pause and frustration from a Liverpool perspective.
Journalist Ben Jacobs reported that Richard Hughes and Co. see a second bid at this time as futile and are cooling their interest in moving for the Swede.
Newcastle have been clear they want £150m for their superstar forward or no deal is on. However, reporting has also stated they'd like to have his replacement signed sealed and delivered before letting him walk so close to the new season.
So, for now at least, Liverpool are pullnig out of the Isak race. They are still going to monitor the situation as the player and his camp have been clear they want the move to Anfield.
However, his club's unwillingness to negotiate even a little has brought the saga to a screeching halt for the time being, which is a somewhat unexpected turn of events.
What happens now?
One big piece to the puzzle of how the rest of this might play out is how hard the player pushes for the move.
Is Alexander Isak ready to completely abandon the team he just helped win a trophy this past season?
He's been training in Spain at his old club, Real Sociedad, but the time is quickly coming for preseason tours to end and Premier League action is on the horizon.
If the Sweden international and his team push strongly for this move, it might make Newcastle relent, even a little.
Until they come off of their £150m asking price though, nothing will come of it. Liverpool putting forth the sensational offer they did on Friday means they are willing to go well above normal means, but they also must be reasonable.
If Liverpool comes up a bit, Isak pushes hard an Newcastle sees the futility of forcing a player to stay at their club, this could be reignited quickly. Until then, Liverpool is out of the Isak sweepstakes.