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Newcastle could be in for a transfer backlash following the Alexander Isak saga.
The Magpies are keen to bring in replacements, with Paris Saint-Germain's Goncalo Ramos on their radar as a new No. 9. This would allow Newcastle to profit from want-away striker Isak, with Liverpool hoping to secure the Swedish international.
However, there are concerns among top agents that if Newcastle is standing firm and playing hardball over Isak, it sets a concerning precedent for future targets. Top strikers always want assurance that if they excel and succeed, they will be allowed to progress to a bigger club. Isak has made his desire to leave Newcastle clear, the fans have turned against him, and it now appears to be an unpleasant stand-off.
According to Mirror Football, this could set a negative tone for future targets because if they see Newcastle obstructing potential progress, it could be a red flag for some big-name strikers.
Newcastle have already missed out on Benjamin Sesko, Joao Pedro, and Hugo Ekitike, who have moved to Manchester United, Chelsea, and Liverpool, respectively.
Ramos, 24, is not a regular starter at PSG under Luis Enrique, and Newcastle attempted - and failed - to get him earlier in the window. Portuguese striker Ramos seemed to commit his future to PSG last week, but Newcastle is still on the hunt, and yet big names are likely to want assurances.
Newcastle is competing in the Champions League, but the team has found it challenging to secure marquee signings this summer, with the Isak situation potentially being a contributing factor.
While nobody anticipates Newcastle capitulating and offloading its star assets, the club is adopting a stubborn stance regarding Isak following Liverpool's rejected bid.
Isak has maintained he possessed an understanding permitting his departure this summer, but the club remains resolute. Liverpool is only expected to return with renewed interest should Newcastle secure replacements.
However, Isak was omitted from Newcastle's season opener against Aston Villa on Saturday, leaving manager Eddie Howe confronting a striker shortage.
Newcastle is also pursuing Brentford forward Yoane Wissa to strengthen its attacking arsenal. Yet Brentford are demanding more than £60 million ($81.3 million), and Newcastle has failed to approach the asking price.
Brentford remains reluctant to sell despite Wissa's absence from the team's defeat at Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
Following his team's 0-0 stalemate with Aston Villa on Saturday, Eddie Howe commented: "Nothing has changed. The door is well and truly open.
"He has to decide what he wants to do. We would like a resolution. We need that clarity. You don't need any kind of distraction.
"I am not in control of that. There is one person who can control that. Let's wait and see. I have made my stance clear. I am concentrating on the team."
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