The truth about Alexander Isak's links with Liverpool as Newcastle sources insist he is going nowhere
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Alexander Isak and Mohamed Salah
Newcastle United face the danger of Alexander Isak's head being turned this summer if Liverpool make a move for the Sweden star.
There's been no bid, enquiry or approach so far at St James' Park for Isak. The player himself stated he was focused on Newcastle and prepared to wait for contract talks this summer when they unfold after his holiday.
Isak's representatives will argue that he was one of the top scorers in the Premier League and up there with Mo Salah and Erling Haaland but not paid like one. Yet Toon chiefs are cool and calm on Isak knowing he is tied down until 2028.
They have the room to thrash out a deal and he is hardly the type of character to go on strike.
How things stand going into July
As touched on above Newcastle have not even had a phone call from Liverpool. The Isak talk seems to be generating from the agent circuit and being pushed on to social media ITKs who know that any LFC talk gathers traction and followers online.
It doesn't meant to say Liverpool won't come knocking but as we stand here now, there has been no offer.
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It would take a ridiculous fee
Newcastle will probably turn down £150m so we are talking about British and potentially world record fees. Some fans may even feel that it's a deal worth doing if it pays for three or four other star players.
Alexander Isak of Newcastle United with Eddie Howe the head coach / manager of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Nottingham Forest FC at St James' Park on February 23, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
(Image: Getty Images)
Eddie Howe made his feelings clear in May
The Newcastle boss did not say he could guarantee Isak would stay when asked if Arsenal were interested. He said after the 1-0 defeat to the Gunners: "I never make those guarantees about any player.
"It's not to do with Alex's future, I'd be foolish to sit here and do anything like that.
"We want to keep our strongest players. I have said that as long as I've sat in this seat."
Florian Wirtz wearing a set of headphones
Liverpool are stepping up their pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz
(Image: Photo by Pau Barrena/Getty Images)
Can Liverpool even afford Isak?
After a major transfer splurge with £116m Florian Wirtz coming through the door plus Jeremie Frimpong and Giorgi Mamardashvili can the Reds afford a major move for Isak?
The answer is yes with money expected to be heading to the Anfield coffers for forward pair Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz. Possibly Harvey Elliott too. If they do sell the two attackers they will certainly need replacements. Nunez is a central striker and the only other option in that role is Diego Jota.
Liverpool are on top of PSR issues and have money flowing in after their title win and Champions League campaign next year. They can also afford to dwarf Isak's wages of around £150,000 per week on Tyneside. That remains the clear and present danger for Newcastle if Liverpool put a package together.
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Liverpool are paying Mo Salah £400,000 a week and Wirtz will be getting £200,000 a week. Isak is on a lot less than both those amounts and will be expecting a huge bump when it comes to his negotiations.
Newcastle still can't afford the mammoth wages Liverpool and Man City can pay out.