According to reports, Newcastle United are open to offloading Alexander Isak to FC Barcelona in a surprising swap deal.
Isak has been in outstanding form for Newcastle this season, scoring 19 goals and providing five assists in 27 appearances. His performances have attracted interest from several top European and Premier League clubs, but Newcastle are eager to keep hold of their star striker.
Last summer, the Magpies were at risk of losing Isak due to financial regulations but managed to retain him by selling Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh instead. Now, with Arsenal reportedly making Isak their top transfer target, Newcastle are keen to extend his contract beyond 2028.
Despite Arsenal’s interest, reports from Spain suggest that Newcastle are willing to negotiate with Barcelona—on one condition. They reportedly value Isak at €150 million and will only consider a deal if Barcelona includes Raphinha in the transfer.
Newcastle have long admired Raphinha and have been linked with him multiple times. The Brazilian winger, valued at around £83 million, has been in top form this season, recording 23 goals and 15 assists in 34 appearances.
However, while Isak is reportedly open to joining Barcelona, the deal faces major obstacles. Barcelona are not willing to part with Raphinha, and the player himself is not keen on leaving the club. This significantly complicates any potential swap.
As a result, Barcelona are exploring alternative options to strengthen their attack. Vitor Roque is already in the squad, but new coach Hansi Flick believes he still needs time to adapt. Ferran Torres, who has impressed as a center-forward, is another option Flick favors.
For now, Barcelona’s interest in Isak is genuine, but unless they can negotiate a deal without including Raphinha, the likelihood of the Swedish striker moving to Camp Nou remains slim.
