Newcastle United are set to have an approach made by Liverpool for star striker Alexander Isak, putting the striker’s future on Tyneside in jeopardy.
After months of speculation, it appears Liverpool will finally make an approach for the 25-year-old who is coming off his best season since joining the Magpies for a club record fee in 2022.
Alexander Isak registered 33 goal involvements in all competitions last season, the highest number at Newcastle United by a long way. However, he could be playing his football elsewhere next season if a deal is agreed.
While Liverpool are seriously interested in Isak and believe there is a window of opportunity to get a deal done, it is very unlikely that Newcastle will sell unless there is an offer that they simply cannot refuse.
Newcastle are looking for at least £150m for Isak this summer, a fee that would smash the British transfer record. It is also a fee that very few clubs could afford, but that is not stopping Liverpool.
With the prospect of Isak joining Liverpool, Newcastle must look for his successor. Here are three players who would fit the bill on Tyneside.
Mateo Retegui during a game between Atalanta and Bologna
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Mateo Retegui
If Newcastle want to replace the goal contributions they will miss without Isak, then they should look no further than Atalanta striker Mateo Retegui.
The 26-year-old has just finished the best season of his career, netting an impressive 28 goals in all competitions, including three in the Champions League.
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Retegui could be swayed by the fact that Gian Piero Gasperini, Atalanta’s long-standing manager, has joined Roma after nine years with the Serie A side.
2024/25 League Statistics Mateo Retegui
Appearances 36
Goals 25
Assists 8
The Italian’s finishing is admirable, and at 6ft 1 inch, he has the physicality to brush players off to get through on goal.
Additionally, Retegui would link up with Sandro Tonali, whom he has played alongside for the Italy national team in the last few months.
Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres during a game between Sweden and Slovakia.
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Viktor Gyokeres
When one Swede goes, another could arrive. Viktor Gyokeres can only be described as unstoppable for the numbers he has put up in the Liga Portugal.
Last season, the 27-year-old scored a remarkable 39 goals in 33 league appearances, helping Sporting Lisbon win the title on the final day of the season.
Gyokeres already has experience playing in England, with stints at clubs like Brighton, Swansea and Coventry City before moving to Portugal and making a name for himself.
2024/25 League Statistics Viktor Gyokeres
Appearances 33
Goals 39
Assists 7
In 2025, it looks like Gyokeres will leave Sporting, with several Premier League clubs interested. Reports earlier in the year stated Newcastle are interested in Gyokeres, but they have since cooled with the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal interested.
Moise Kean celebrates after scoring a goal for Juventus
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Moise Kean
If he was linked with a move to the Magpies three years ago, Newcastle fans would be far from pleased. However, Moise Kean has turned over a new leaf in 2025 and is playing out of his skin in Serie A.
Now at Fiorentina, Kean enjoyed the best season of his career, scoring 19 goals in 32 games. He also helped the Italian side to the semi-finals of the Conference League before they were eliminated by Real Betis.
Earlier this year, reports in Italy stated that Newcastle made contact with Kean, who is believed to be valued at £44m. After the season he has had, that fee looks like a bargain.
2024/25 League Statistics Moise Kean
Appearances 32
Goals 19
Assists 3
The only concern is whether he can shake off his demons from his Premier League past and perform to the same standard he has set in Italy.
Like Retegui, Kean has played alongside Tonali for the Italy national team in recent years and would likely benefit from having another Italian in his new team.