Newcastle striker Alexander Isak has reportedly reiterated his desire to quit the Magpies ahead of the summer transfer deadline. The Sweden striker has refused to play for the north east giants this season as he attempts to secure a transfer to Liverpool.
Isak has been a star player for Newcastle since joining the club from Real Sociedad in the summer of 2022. And he enjoyed a sensational campaign last time around as he bagged 20 Premier League goals to help his side secure fourth place and a spot in this season’s Champions League. But he missed Newcastle’s tour to the Far East in the summer and has since been training alone as he looks to push through a move to Anfield.
Newcastle hosted Liverpool in a huge Premier League encounter on Monday evening, with the Reds winning the match 3-2 after 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha netted the winner deep into stoppage time at the end of the match.
And ahead of the clash, Isak was visited at his Northumberland home by Magpies co-owner Jamie Reuben and a Public Investment Fund (PIF) delegation.
But, according to The Telegraph, Isak is still adamant that he wants to leave Newcastle and has repeated his desire to be allowed to join Liverpool.
Newcastle rejected a £110million bid from Liverpool in exchange for Isak three weeks ago as it fell short of the Magpies’ £150m valuation.
Liverpool are believed to be ready to make a second bid for Isak but are waiting for encouragement from the Magpies board before they table a bid.
And the reigning Premier League champions have no intention to pay anything close to Newcastle’s asking price.
The north east giants are refusing to accept an Isak departure, and would only change their stance on the basis that they are able to bring two new strikers to St James’ Park and Liverpool pay their full asking price.
Newcastle chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan wants to broker a deal that keeps Isak at the club, with PIF ultimately responsible for making the final call.
But the pressure Isak has put on the Magpies owners is said to be intense and unexpected. And it remains to be seen whether the player gets his way before the transfer window slams shut next Monday.
Following Newcastle’s clash with Liverpool, Magpies boss Eddie Howe admitted he was “not party to talks that have been happening.” He then stated that Isak “would have made a difference in the two games.”