Alexander Isak has stunned Newcastle United by submitting a formal transfer request, informing the club of his desire to leave this summer. This decision comes after he missed the club’s pre-season tour of East Asia, initially citing a thigh injury, and amid strong interest from Liverpool and Saudi club Al Hilal[1]. Liverpool appears to be his preferred destination, with reports indicating that Isak is giving his priority to the Reds over other suitors such as Al Hilal[4].
Newcastle, however, remains reluctant to part ways with one of their star assets, especially since he still has three years left on his contract. The club has reportedly rebuffed a £120 million approach from Liverpool and set a price tag of more than £150 million, which could be enough to tempt them into negotiations[1][2][4]. Isak and his representatives have indicated that they do not wish to commit to a new deal with Newcastle at this stage as transfer interest intensifies[4].
In terms of possible destinations, Liverpool are considered frontrunners, with direct talks reportedly held between Isak and Al Hilal, during which he made clear his preference for Liverpool. The club may need to sell players—namely Luis Diaz and Darwin Nuñez—to finance a record transfer move for Isak[4]. Chelsea is also monitoring the situation but would need to reconsider their summer plans and find substantial funds to enter the race, as Isak’s valuation is far beyond their remaining transfer budget[5]. Real Madrid has also shown interest, with Newcastle’s asking price potentially designed to deter suitors unless a considerable offer comes in. The club’s financial needs under the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules may influence their willingness to negotiate if a lucrative bid is received[2].
Despite missing Newcastle’s preseason tour and a recent friendly, with the club attributing his absence to a thigh issue, manager Eddie Howe has publicly maintained that Isak is happy at Newcastle but admits that he cannot guarantee he will stay beyond the transfer window[3].
References
- [1] Alexander Isak stuns Newcastle by handing in transfer request after missing pre-season tour amid Liverpool and Al-Hilal interest – Goal
- [2] Alexander Isak Transfer from Newcastle United to Real Madrid – TransferFeed
- [3] Liverpool target Isak misses Newcastle’s Asia tour – ESPN
- [4] Alexander Isak ‘gives priority’ to Liverpool as Reds to sell pair to proceed with club-record transfer – Football365
- [5] Chelsea “monitoring” elite Premier League striker after bombshell announcement – Chelsea News
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