🔄 Is the Isak Deal Back in Play After a Sudden Twist?
Current Status of the Isak Transfer Rumours:
- Newcastle United’s Swedish striker Alexander Isak (25) has reportedly informed the club of his desire to leave, opting not to join the pre-season tour after citing a minor thigh injury, which later scans showed was not serious (Sky Sports).
- He has been training alone at his former club Real Sociedad, fueling speculation that tensions may exist between player and club, and hinting at a possible formal transfer request (TalkSport).
Who’s Leading the Chase?
- Liverpool has emerged as the frontrunner, reportedly having agreed personal terms on a five-year contract with Isak, which could more than double his current Newcastle salary (around £130k/week) (The Sun).
- While Newcastle values him at £150 million, Liverpool aims to negotiate that down to around £120 million, potentially setting a new club-record fee (FourFourTwo).
Statements from the Inside:
- Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has acknowledged Isak’s uncertainty regarding his future. He emphasized there has been no official transfer request yet and reaffirmed that he wants Isak to stay—but admits the decision isn’t fully his to make (Sky Sports).
- Isak himself, in earlier interviews, had denied any intention to leave and expressed his happiness at Newcastle—only to reverse tone as contract talks stalled and ambition grew (Sporticos, The Standard).
Club Reactions & Broader Implications:
- Newcastle reportedly prefer not to sell Isak to another Premier League club, but may soften their stance should a formal transfer request arrive (TalkSport).
- Former Magpies legend Alan Shearer has urged Newcastle to keep the striker if possible—but concedes that a £150m+ offer is worth serious consideration and would require immediate reinvestment, notably into pacing options like Benjamin Šeško (The Liverpool Offside).
What Happens If He Leaves?
- Liverpool, flush with funds from the sale of Luis Díaz, are prepared to go ahead and see Isak as the marquee target to lead their Champions League defense and new title push (The Guardian).
- Newcastle are already considering replacements — including RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško, Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, Rasmus Højlund, and Nicolas Jackson among others (TalkSport).
✅ Summary Table
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Isak’s Situation | Training alone in Spain, not with Newcastle’s squad, exploring exit options |
| Main suitor | Liverpool — verbal agreement in place, pushing for ~£120m deal |
| Newcastle stance | Wants to retain Isak but values at £150m; may sell if formal request arrives |
| Isak’s own position | Long contract until 2028; earlier denied plans to leave, but now frustrated |
| Possible replacements | Schesko, Wissa, Højlund, Jackson — multiple options under consideration |
⚽ Final Take
After weeks of speculation, the transfer saga has taken a decisive turn: Isak appears intent on departing Newcastle this summer, and Liverpool are poised to offer an unprecedented fee. Newcastle still holds the upper hand contractually, but with price and ambition stacking against them, this could indeed be one of the defining transfers of the window.
