Ray Parlour has told Liverpool exactly what is going to happen with Alexander Isak and Newcastle United.
After months of speculation that they want to sign him, Liverpool approached Newcastle United about Isak on Tuesday. Their approach was swiftly rebuffed, as Newcastle plan to keep Isak at St James’ Park.
It is a strange situation, as Liverpool’s interest and Newcastle’s stance is nothing new. Put simply, the situation has not really changed despite the headlines over the past 24 hours. But the caveat is Hugo Ekitike, who Newcastle are trying to sign for a club record fee.
Perhaps Liverpool smell blood and think Isak could be available, or they are positioning themselves to land Ekitike. Only Liverpool themselves know their own motivations.
Alexander Isak and Jason Tindall celebrate after Newcastle United's win over Manchester United.
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Ray Parlour explains why Newcastle United are not selling Alexander Isak to Liverpool
But if the Reds think they can sign Isak from Newcastle this summer then they can think again.
That is the view of former Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour, who has told TalkSPORT that Newcastle simply do not need to sell their superstar striker due to the length of time remaining on his contract.
“Every Newcastle fan knows that [Isak would be a huge loss], the club knows that too,” he said.
“I just think because he’s got three years left on his contract they don’t need to sell him. Next year, if he doesn’t sign a new contract… I’m sure they want to sit down and tie him up to a five or six-year contract.
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“But if he says no, I don’t want to – the player has got all the power now. Maybe next year you’ll have to sell him.
“But this year is a massive season for Newcastle. They want to be challenging that top four, or even a title charge. Whether they’re good enough to do that, we’ll have to wait and see.
“They don’t want to be losing their talisman up front. If they do it’s a massive hole to fill because of his goals, his work rate, his all round play. Of the ball as well, as much as on the ball, he’s fantastic.”
Why 2026 is the time to sell Alexander Isak if Newcastle United fail to strike contract agreement
Newcastle want Isak to sign a new contract, with his current deal running until 2028. Geordie Boot Boys understand that the Magpies are prepared to make him their highest-paid player ever.
Whether or not that is enough to reach an agreement remains to be seen. Isak was disappointed he was not offered a new deal during Paul Mitchell’s reign as sporting director, and it is unclear if he now wants to ink an extension.
If he does not then the summer of 2026 is the time to sell him, not 2025. By next year, Isak will have two years left to run on his Newcastle United contract. It is the opportune moment to sell him, as his value will still be well in excess of £100million.
While it will be 12 months later, Isak’s value is not going to drastically drop between now and next summer. If Newcastle do have to sell him, 2026 is the time.
That is not the news that Liverpool want, with the Sweden international viewed as Arne Slot’s dream signing this summer.