Alexander Isak given fresh hope of joining Liverpool as Newcastle United agree big-money Nick Woltemade deal.
Woltemade joined Stuttgart on a free transfer from Werder Bremen last year but his 17 goals in 33 appearances last season, as well as being top scorer at this summer’s under-21s European Championship, attracted interest from several top European clubs.
Earlier in the summer, Woltemade was widely expected to join German champions BayernMunich but after failing to raise the relevant funds have missed out to Newcastle United.
Newcastle United made striker breakthrough - finally
All summer, Eddie Howe’s side have been looking to sign a striker to replace Callum Wilson but the search has been exacerbated by Isak going on strike in an attempt to force through a move to Liverpool.
The Magpies held talks with Liam Delap right at the beginning of the summer but he decided to join Chelsea. Bids were also tabled for Joao Pedro, Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko, but they opted to join Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United, respectively.
In the past week, Newcastle have also had bids rejected for by Brentford and Wolverhampton Wanderers, respectively, for Yoane Wissa and Jorgen Strand Larsen.
But what does it mean for Alexander Isak to Liverpool?
The imminent arrival of Woltemade may tempt Liverpool into submitting an improved bid for Isak, having not returned with an offer since seeing an opening bid of £110m turned down on August 1.
Newcastle would like to sign two strikers before considering Isak’s exit, but a new bid from Merseyside would surely test their resolve.
The Magpies haven’t given up hope of signing a second striker before the window shuts at 11pm on Tuesday. Although Wolves are unwilling to sell Strand Larsen, Brentford are willing to sell Wissa, and it is for that reason why a late deal can’t be ruled out, despite the frustrations thus far.
Wissa hasn’t featured for Brentford this campaign and has made it known of his desperation to move to St James’ Park. But there are still a couple of moving parts required, with the Bees demanding £50m until a replacement is found.
Read More
As for Isak, he doesn’t want to play for Newcastle. He made that abundantly clear in a statement released last week when he said “when promises are broken and the trust is lost, the relationship can’t continue.”
Those high up at Newcastle United have this week tried to convince him to stay but the Swede’s stance remains the same. When he could have been preparing for Leeds on Saturday, Isak has continued to train alone at the club’s Benton training ground.
Newcastle’s stance on Isak’s future has been steadfast but given the player’s conduct, there is a realisation that a sale may be the best course of option. It all makes for a manic remaining four days of the summer transfer window.
Continue Reading