Newcastle United transfer news and rumours including the latest on wantaway striker Alexander Isak
Alexander Isak of Newcastle United
(Image: Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
Alexander Isak of Newcastle United
Alexander Isak informed Newcastle United on three occasions that he intended to explore his options at the end of the 2024/25 campaign, according to recent reports.
The Magpies have been drawn into an unwelcome transfer saga this summer, as their star striker pushes for an exit amid strong interest from Premier League champions Liverpool. The Sweden international has not featured during pre-season and missed the club’s tour of the Far East due to a thigh injury. He instead travelled to Spain to continue his recovery, using the training facilities of his former club, Real Sociedad.
Liverpool made their move for Isak earlier this month with a £110 million bid, which was swiftly rejected by Newcastle as it fell well short of their £150 million valuation. Chronicle Live reported this week that Isak has been told he will not be sold unless a serious offer is received.
Newcastle must also source a suitable replacement, as they currently lack a recognised senior centre-forward following the departure of Callum Wilson as a free agent. Anthony Gordon can operate through the middle, while William Osula is another option, but the current depth is not sufficient to compete on multiple fronts, especially with a return to Champions League football on the horizon.
According to the latest report from The Athletic, Isak considers his time at Newcastle to be over. Even if a move does not materialise before the September 1 deadline, it is suggested that he has no intention of reintegrating into the squad.
An update from journalist Melissa Reddy adds that there is frustration within the player’s camp, as they reportedly informed Newcastle last summer that the 2024/25 season would be his last at the club. That message was then reiterated two weeks before the end of the campaign, and again after their final game against Everton in May.
This sentiment was echoed in The Athletic’s report, though it was caveated by claims that some within the club deny Isak ever expressed this.
Newcastle have explored possible new strikers this summer, with Joao Pedro and Hugo Ekitike both linked earlier in the window. However, the pair opted to join Chelsea and Liverpool respectively. Benjamin Sesko was the latest target to slip through their grasp, completing a move to Manchester United last week.
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