6 days ago
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Alexander Isak’s future at Newcastle United continues to draw intrigue and speculation. Given he is widely seen as the best striker on the market this summer, that is unsurprising.
However, Newcastle’s stance has always been that the Swede is unavailable, leading to Liverpool’s pursuit of Hugo Ekitike instead. A deal has been agreed between the Reds and Eintracht Frankfurt for up to $106M (£79M), which could make the striker Liverpool’s third-most expensive signing ever.
That hasn’t quietened the noise around Isak, though, with reports claiming he is considering a move to Saudi Arabia. Given that the Magpies are owned by the Gulf state’s Private Investment Fund, there would be huge surprise if a deal is concluded.
Given that the Magpies are owned by the Gulf state’s Private Investment Fund, there would be huge surprise if a deal is concluded.
That said, Isak is clearly unsettled. The forward didn’t feature in Saturday’s friendly defeat against Celtic and his agent has since admitted that he is considering the player’s “next steps”.
“We are indeed studying and analysing all options, and we may be close to finalising the next step for the player,” Gonzalo Gaitan told Saudi newspaper Arriyadiyah.
“Without revealing any details regarding whether Isak will transfer or stay with Newcastle.”
Now the Telegraph reports that Isak feels “insulted” by the club’s decision not to offer him a new contract, with a sense of “acrimony” building.
Former co-owner Amanda Staveley had promised Isak a new deal in 2024. However, when Paul Mitchell took up his post as sporting director last year, he felt that offering the Sweden international fresh terms was not in the club’s best interest.
Now the club plans to “let the noise and the distractions die down”, with no plans to sell its star man. A new contract offer will emerge, adds the report, one that will make Isak Newcastle’s highest earner.
The former Real Sociedad star has netted 44 Premier League goals in the last two seasons, and it’s unlikely Liverpool will be able to afford his signing and the addition of Ekitike.
Reports have claimed the latter will travel to Merseyside on Tuesday to complete his medical and will then jet out to Hong Kong to meet the rest of the squad.
Assuming the transfer goes through, he is unlikely to receive a warm welcome in his first Premier League away game, which will be held at St James’ Park on August 25.
The 23-year-old had been on Newcastle’s radar before Liverpool swooped in. Reports had indicated Eddie Howe wanted to pair Isak and Ekitike together in a 4-4-2 system.
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