Newcastle United are fighting off interest in Alexander Isak while trying to sign a new striker this summer.
While a lot of the Magpies’ transfer business has been positive, the biggest story to come out of Tyneside this summer is Alexander Isak’s desire to leave.
Newcastle United fans were rocked by Isak’s bombshell stance, especially after the forward showed no sign of leaving before the transfer window opened. The 25-year-old is coming off the back of another fine Premier League season, scoring 23 goals and helping his side win the Carabao Cup by beating Liverpool at Wembley.
Many fans would consider Isak a club legend for his goals at Newcastle, but many would rather see him sold after his recent antics. With other positions filled, work is going on behind the scenes to find a replacement for Callum Wilson, who joined West Ham United following his release from the Magpies this summer.
Newcastle are keen on signing Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, who like Isak is training away from the Bees’ first team squad with his mind set on leaving the club. However, Brentford have upped their asking price for Wissa, with some reports even suggesting they are asking for as much as £60million for him.
With Newcastle still searching for a striker, Craig Hope has provided an update on what Liverpool are doing during the transfer window.
Alexander Isak applauds the fans ahead of a Premier League game between Manchester United and Newcastle United.
Photo by Harriet Massey/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Liverpool keeping tabs on Newcastle United’s transfer situation
Liverpool are hoping to sign Isak this summer, having already made a bid of £110m for him. However, Newcastle want £150m for Isak, despite their stance that he is not for sale.
Some fans within the Liverpool space believe that Wissa is a replacement for Isak, but that is far from the case. Given his age, Wissa is a replacement for Wilson, with Eddie Howe keen on signing a quality young striker to take Isak’s place.
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Keith Andrews was not in the loop with Wissa’s transfer situation, but the DR Congo international is clearly not happy with the way things are being dealt with. Wissa has deleted all mentions of Brentford from his social media profile, suggesting that he is ready to move on.
It remains to be seen what will happen with Isak this summer, but on X, Hope said that Isak’s future will be directly determined by whether new strikers are signed by Newcastle this summer.
If Wissa does not sign, it would significantly reduce the chance of Isak leaving. However, Liverpool are still ‘watching closely’, waiting for their time to pounce and sign the 25-year-old.
Liverpool have been a thorn in Newcastle United’s side all summer
There is no end in sight for the Isak saga, despite Newcastle’s refusal to let him go. Isak is currently training away from the first team, and is reportedly on strike in an attempt to get his move away.
It has also been confirmed that Isak will likely not attend the PFA Gala on Tuesday evening, where most of the attention would surely be on him.
Newcastle have endured a rough summer, despite bringing in four senior players. Many others have rejected moves to Tyneside for other Premier League clubs.
The Magpies wanted to sign Hugo Ekitike, but were beaten to him by Liverpool soon after. Now, Liverpool continue to be a thorn in Newcastle’s side with their efforts to unsettle Isak.
Even if they do not sign him, Liverpool have put Isak in a position where he does not want to play for the club which he is contracted to for another three years.