2 hours ago
41
Premier League clashes between Newcastle and Liverpool are typically entertaining affairs - but Monday's St. James' Park encounter promises to be particularly heated.
While the on-field action should provide sufficient excitement, much of the pre-match discussion will center around Alexander Isak and his future prospects. The 25-year-old is reportedly eager to depart St. James' Park for Anfield, with the Swedish striker currently unavailable to Newcastle manager Eddie Howe due to his contentious transfer position.
He is working separately from the main squad. Newcastle entered its Premier League opener against Aston Villa on Saturday without a recognized forward and is keen to secure reinforcements before the transfer window shuts on September 1.
Newcastle is reluctant to approve Isak's exit unless an appropriate offer materialises.
The Magpies price him at approximately £150 million ($202.8 million) - considerably more than Liverpool's sole bid to date, which is believed to be valued at roughly £110 million ($148.7 million).
Nevertheless, former Liverpool striking legend John Aldridge has described Newcastle's position as "ludicrous" and has called upon the Magpies to moderate their stance and finalize an agreement in the forthcoming weeks.
"This one on Monday will be another difficult assignment and Liverpool can't fold under the pressure," Aldridge wrote in his column for the Liverpool ECHO.
"It's obvious what the news agenda is going to be in the build up to it given the wantaway Isak and his willingness to agitate for the move to Anfield.
"Liverpool have been in a similar position before where their star striker has wanted to leave. No one was more gutted than when Kevin Keegan left in 1977 and more recently we've had players who have rocked the boat in an attempt to get out of Anfield.
"Luis Suarez, Javier Mascherano and Fernando Torres have all caused mischief to get their move, so Liverpool fans know all too well what their Newcastle counterparts are experiencing at the moment where Isak is concerned.
"No player has ever been bigger than the club though when it comes to Liverpool and they have always managed to thrive after their big stars have left. It's been a case of, 'Thanks for your service, now close the door behind you on the way out.'
"But look, the prospect of a £150 million bid is ludicrous. This is not Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. Isak is a top striker, but that sort of fee for a player who clearly wants to leave and has even gone on strike to get it over the line I find incredible.
"It's a situation that has not been handled well up at Newcastle but even their Saudi Arabian owners must realise it might be for the best to move him on and reinvest that money."
Newcastle is keen to secure a striker before September 1, with potential signings including Yoane Wissa, Jorgen Stand Larsen, Goncalo Ramos, Nicolas Jackson, and Christopher Nkunku all rumored to be heading to Tyneside.
Currently, it's anticipated that Anthony Gordon will maintain his position as the central striker in the upcoming game against Liverpool next Monday, with Will Osula providing an alternative from the bench.
English (US) ·