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Newcastle United has been told by former striker Michael Owen that Alexander Isak cannot be sold this summer, despite his previous allegiance to Liverpool.
Liverpool has approached Newcastle to enquire about the availability of Isak and made it clear that a record bid would be formally submitted if permission were granted. Newcastle has responded by claiming that Isak is not for sale this summer, but Liverpool remains open to a blockbuster deal.
Isak has been exceptional for Newcastle over the past two seasons and helped the club end a 70-year wait for silverware, scoring in a 2-1 win over Liverpool in the League Cup final. Now, Liverpool has signaled its intentions to sign Isak, but Owen told Newcastle not to let the striker leave in March.
The 25-year-old is one of the top talents in world soccer, with 62 goals in 109 appearances for Newcastle since joining the club in 2022. Isak joined from Real Sociedad in a deal worth $85 million, but Liverpool is prepared to double that fee this summer.
However, Owen believes that Newcastle would be foolish to let Isak leave. "From Newcastle’s point of view, they simply can’t let him go," Owen said during an appearance on talkSPORT in March.
"I mean, I hear what you’re saying about not balancing the books… But what? Like, then they can get £150 million ($200M) for him and then go spend £100 or £120 million ($134M or $160M) on, you know, three £30 million ($40M) players or four £30 million players.
"You know, you prefer Isak. He’s the one who’s going to absolutely push you into that elite level. Just getting three or four decent players won’t do. You need special players."
Owen came through the Liverpool academy and won the Ballon d'Or in 2001 after the Reds completed a historic treble. While Liverpool fans considered Owen a future legend, his legacy was impacted when he left for Real Madrid in 2004.
One year later, Owen returned to England and signed with Newcastle, but injuries impacted his first two seasons. After rediscovering his form between 2007 and 2009, Owen made the controversial decision to join Manchester United.
Signing Isak would be a significant deal for Liverpool, as the club looks to strengthen after winning the Premier League last season. However, if Newcastle refuses to sell Isak, Liverpool could enter the race for Hugo Ekitike.
Newcastle has been pushing to sign Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt, with plans to pair him alongside Isak. If the striker is unavailable this summer, Liverpool is poised to rival Newcastle for Ekitike.
Frankfurt rejected Newcastle's $93 million bid on Tuesday, opening the door for Liverpool to enter the race. Liverpool has essentially told Newcastle to sell Isak or face competition for Ekitike.
Liverpool has already signed Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Milos Kerkez this summer, with emphasis shifting towards outgoings. Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, and Harvey Elliott have all been linked with moves away, and could fund a record deal for Isak.
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