Newcastle United are facing a tough challenge this summer as interest in their star forward, Alexander Isak, intensifies—most notably from Premier League giants Liverpool.
After a sensational 2024/25 campaign where Isak netted 27 goals across competitions, top clubs are circling. Newcastle’s fifth-place finish and Carabao Cup triumph over Liverpool at Wembley should have signaled stability, but success has only made it harder to keep their star striker away from transfer speculation.
Isak, who arrived from Real Sociedad for a record £63 million in 2022, is under contract until 2028 and currently earns around £150,000 per week—making him the club’s highest-paid player. The Swedish international has publicly expressed his love for life at St. James’ Park and has shown no signs of wanting to leave.
Yet, Newcastle are reportedly considering a new bumper deal to keep him satisfied, even if it means stretching their wage structure. Manager Eddie Howe has been vocal about wanting to retain key players, but the pressure is mounting.
Meanwhile, rivals like Arsenal and now Liverpool are reportedly plotting their moves. With 62 goals in 109 appearances, Isak’s numbers speak for themselves. Arsenal have long admired the 25-year-old, but Liverpool’s growing financial muscle—especially after splashing over £100m on Florian Wirtz—could shift the balance.
The Reds have a significant advantage: financial flexibility. Mohamed Salah’s eye-watering £380,000-a-week contract shows Liverpool can pay big when they want to. Compared to Newcastle’s tighter wage policies, this gives the Merseyside club an upper hand should a bidding war begin.
Newcastle’s valuation of Isak, believed to be between £150m and £200m, reflects both his talent and importance to their long-term project, backed by the Saudi PIF. But offering such a deal risks unsettling others in the dressing room—like Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali—who might demand similar treatment.
According to The Daily Mail, while a transfer this summer seems unlikely, Liverpool could return in 2026 once they’ve made room in the squad. With Darwin Nunez reportedly on his way out, a more affordable stop-gap striker could pave the way for a bigger swoop later.
The clock is ticking. If Isak doesn’t renew soon, Newcastle may have no choice but to fend off serious interest with more than just a hefty price tag.
Leave a Reply