Liverpool received a blow to their hopes of signing Alexander Isak during Newcastle United’s Premier League opener against Aston Villa on Saturday
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Liverpool dealt Alexander Isak transfer setback during Aston Villa vs Newcastle
Liverpool’s hopes of landing Alexander Isak suffered a fresh blow during Newcastle United’s Premier League opener against Aston Villa on Saturday.
The 25-year-old striker was left out of Eddie Howe’s matchday squad at Villa Park, with Anthony Gordon deployed in a central attacking role instead.
Isak’s omission comes against the backdrop of ongoing uncertainty over his future. Liverpool have already had a £110 million bid, plus add-ons, rejected by Newcastle earlier this summer, but speculation persists that the Reds will return with an improved offer.
The Sweden international has also missed Newcastle’s pre-season tour of Asia and continues to train separately from the first team, fueling talk of a potential exit.
Speaking ahead of the game, Howe gave a cautious update, insisting that Isak could still remain at St. James’ Park beyond the September 1 transfer deadline.
“Yes, [he could be a Newcastle player after the transfer window],” Howe told reporters. “At the moment I would, but I’ve got no change of feeling throughout the summer. It’s not in my hands, but he’s contracted to us, so that’s why I say that.”
While Newcastle remain firm in their stance, Howe also admitted that if Isak were to leave before the window closes, the club would look to bring in a replacement.
Newcastle eye Gonçalo Ramos as Isak uncertainty continues
Newcastle United are weighing up a move for Paris Saint-Germain striker Gonçalo Ramos as uncertainty lingers over Alexander Isak’s future, according to reports.
As reported by the Mail on Friday, intermediaries have suggested that a deal for Ramos could be possible, though PSG are understood to prefer a permanent transfer rather than a loan arrangement.
The Magpies are pushing to recruit two forwards before the transfer window closes, with Brentford’s Yoane Wissa also strongly linked. However, much like Newcastle’s other dealings this summer, negotiations are expected to be complicated — a factor that could indirectly affect Liverpool’s chances of prising Isak away from St. James’ Park.
According to TBR, Ramos is not particularly keen on leaving PSG this summer, despite being under contract until 2028. Any move would also come at a cost, with the Portuguese international demanding wages of around £200,000 per week — a figure that would make him Newcastle’s highest-paid player
According to Capology, Newcastle’s highest earner is captain Bruno Guimarães on around £160,000 per week, meaning Ramos’ reported demands of £200,000 would shatter the club’s current wage structure.
And any hopes of persuading the 23-year-old to St. James’ Park appear slim after his comments in midweek. Following PSG’s UEFA Super Cup win over Tottenham, Ramos was asked directly about his future.
“Yes, I’m staying,” he told reporters in the mixed zone — a statement that underlined his intention to continue in Paris rather than pursue a Premier League move.
That stance leaves Newcastle in a tricky position as they weigh potential striker targets, with Isak’s future still unresolved and Liverpool circling ahead of deadline day.
