The transfer saga involving Alexander Isak has received another layer after Newcastle learned that the door is “closed” for one of their potential replacements.
Isak Eyes Exit as Liverpool Talks Advance
After netting 27 goals for Newcastle United last season, Alexander Isak has reportedly informed the club of his desire to explore a transfer this summer.
The Swedish forward was notably absent from the squad’s pre-season tour to Singapore, with the club citing a minor thigh issue. However, his omission has fueled speculation about his future.
Despite receiving lucrative offers from Saudi Arabian clubs, Isak is said to have declined them, prioritizing a move within Europe. Liverpool have emerged as the only club currently in “concrete” negotiations over a possible deal for the former Real Sociedad striker.
Manager Eddie Howe addressed the situation, expressing his hope that Isak remains at the club. “I’d love for Alex to continue his journey with us,” Howe said, highlighting the striker’s contribution of 62 goals and his pivotal strike in Newcastle’s historic Carabao Cup final win over Liverpool last season.
Newcastle Blocked in Move for Wissa Amid Striker Search
Despite insisting that star forward Alexander Isak is not for sale, Newcastle United have begun identifying potential replacements—and have already hit a major stumbling block in their pursuit of one key target.
The Magpies recently saw a bid rejected for Brentford striker Yoane Wissa, who is eager to follow teammates Bryan Mbeumo and Christian Nørgaard out of the club after manager Thomas Frank’s exit.
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Brentford have firmly “closed the door” on any deal for the DR Congo international, despite Newcastle increasing their offer and presenting the lure of Champions League football—something Wissa is reportedly keen to experience.
Frustrated by the refusal, Wissa is said to have refused to train and feels Brentford have reneged on a prior agreement to allow him to leave for around £26 million. As per Craig Hope of the Daily Mail, Wissa has now informed the club that he has no intention of playing for them again.
Brentford Boss Confirms Wissa’s Exit from Camp Amid Transfer Speculation
Brentford manager Keith Andrews has confirmed that Yoane Wissa has left the club’s pre-season training camp in Portugal and returned to London amid growing transfer speculation.
“He’s gone back to London,” Andrews told the club’s media team. “It was his decision, obviously due to the ongoing rumours. There are clubs interested, and he felt it was the right move. It’s simple—he’ll rejoin the squad next week when we’re back in training.”
Newcastle Still on the Hunt for Striker Reinforcements
While Newcastle United remain firm in their stance that Alexander Isak is not for sale, they continue to explore alternatives, with Tottenham and Nottingham Forest also reportedly in the mix for Wissa, who scored 19 goals last season.
The Magpies have also been monitoring RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško as uncertainty grows over Isak’s future. Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson has now emerged as a surprise target, according to the Daily Mail.
After missing out on Hugo Ekitike, João Pedro, and goalkeeper James Trafford, Newcastle’s only signing so far this summer has been the £55 million arrival of Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest.
Meanwhile, contract negotiations with Isak have stalled, with sources claiming his representatives are seeking wages of around £300,000 per week—an amount that may stretch Newcastle’s financial limits.
