Alexander Isak’s prospects at Newcastle United appear increasingly uncertain after the Swedish forward expressed a desire to seek a transfer this summer, with Liverpool poised to take action.
Isak has reportedly communicated to the Magpies his intention to depart this summer, despite having three years remaining on his current contract. The Magpies wish for him to prolong his tenure at St James’ Park but are unable to fulfill his wage demands of £300,000 per week.
Liverpool had previously shown interest in the 25-year-old before opting for Hugo Ekitike in a £79m transfer.
However, the Reds still maintain their interest and could make a move if Luis Diaz leaves, especially with Bayern Munich pursuing the Colombian forward.
Isak has remained at home while his Newcastle teammates traveled to Singapore to commence pre-season training, a situation attributed to a thigh injury.
It is anticipated that the Swedish forward will soon leave, and it is highly probable that he has played his final match for Eddie Howe’s team.
According to Craig Hope of the Daily Mail, the Tyneside club is requesting £150 million for Isak and expects this amount to be paid if Arne Slot intends to include him in his roster.
The current Premier League champions have already set a new British transfer record by acquiring Florian Wirtz in a £116 million deal (including add-ons).
Should the Merseysiders agree to pay that substantial fee, Isak would become the most expensive player in the history of the English top flight.
He demonstrated exceptional form last season, scoring 27 goals in 42 matches across all competitions, which included a decisive goal in a 2-1 victory over Slot’s team in the Carabao Cup final.
Newcastle appears to be preparing for a future without their number nine and has begun to seek out replacements. Yoane Wissa from Brentford seems poised to join Howe’s Magpies, while RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko is also on the club’s radar.
When club captain Bruno Guimaraes was inquired about the situation, he expressed optimism that his teammate would rejoin the squad once he is fit (as reported by the aforementioned source):
Isak joined Newcastle from Real Sociedad in the summer of 2022 for £63m, and he’s been a revelation at St James’ Park.
He has helped fire the black and whites into the Champions League while playing a key role in ending their 70-year wait for a domestic trophy last season.