Newcastle United’s frustration with Liverpool is mounting as the Alexander Isak transfer saga continues to drag on without any official developments. Isak, Newcastle’s leading goalscorer, is reportedly attempting to force a move to become Liverpool’s latest big-money signing.
The Magpies have yet to receive a formal bid for their star player, despite Isak making it clear he is keen to leave St James’ Park. The 25-year-old Sweden international was not taken on the club’s pre-season tour to Asia by manager Eddie Howe, with the club citing a thigh injury. However, it has since been revealed that Isak is in Spain, training alone at the facilities of his former club, Real Sociedad, as he waits for his future to be resolved.
Liverpool is one of the few clubs that can afford Newcastle’s hefty £120 million asking price for the prolific centre-forward, who also commands a salary of £120,000 per week. Yet, no formal submission of interest has been lodged, leaving Newcastle’s local media to report on the club’s irritation.
This isn’t the first time Liverpool has aaffected Newcastle’s transfer plans this window. They have already signed France Under-21 striker Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt, a player Newcastle was also interested in. Now, if Isak continues to push for a move, Eddie Howe’s side may be left with no choice but to enter into negotiations with the Reds.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot has already seen his squad bolstered by signings worth close to £300 million this window. However, it is expected that further player departures will need to take place before an official bid for Isak is made.
This week, Luis Diaz departed in a £65 million deal to Bayern Munich, following Jarrell Quansah and Caoimhin Kelleher out the door. Players such as Darwin Nunez, Harvey Elliott, and Federico Chiesa are also being linked with moves away, which would help offset the club’s high spending.
Meanwhile, Newcastle is showing interest in Brentford star Yoane Wissa, suggesting they are already making contingency plans for life without Isak. The Bees, however, are reluctant to sell another forward after seeing Bryan Mbeumo head to Manchester United in a £65 million switch.
