There’s nothing for Liverpool to lose here. Either they get the player, or/and they manage to completely unsettle Newcastle and Isak. Isak becomes a “prisoner” — that’s the narrative being pushed. Newcastle’s “project” grinds to a halt. No one wants to join, and eventually everyone wants to leave.
Liverpool are playing a long term game here aimed at derailing Newcastle — a club that, if the pieces fall into place, could become a direct and even stronger competitor.