Liverpool have registered an interest in Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, but the Magpies are not willing to let him go easily.
The Swede has been sensational under Eddie Howe this season, scoring 24 goals in all competitions.
Alexander Isak made history at Newcastle in April when he scored his 20th Premier League goal in a 2-1 win against Brentford, becoming the club’s first player to score 20 league goals in consecutive seasons.
With good form comes more attention and more transfer speculation, however. Liverpool want Isak, but the Magpies have made it clear that he will not be going anywhere in a hurry.
Reports have claimed Newcastle want £150m for Isak, but even that may not be enough for Howe and co to lose their star striker, who would be incredibly difficult to replace.
Isak has been likened to Thierry Henry, a huge compliment to the Swede and Newcastle’s recruitment in the past. Although the transfer fee will be tempting, the headache of replacing a truly unique player like Isak is a difficult task in itself.
With Isak to Liverpool set to be a big story this summer, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has commented on what he believes will happen with any potential deals this summer.
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Fabrizio Romano backs Newcastle United to keep Alexander Isak
Liverpool are not the only club interested in the 25-year-old. Arsenal were desperate to land Isak during the January transfer window after the likes of Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus suffered season-ending injuries.
The Gunners were unable to sign a new striker and have since been linked with Viktor Gyokores and Benjamin Sesko.
Liverpool wanted Isak to replace Mohamed Salah, who looked set to leave the club at the end of the season. It has since been announced that Salah has signed a new deal at Liverpool, meaning they may not be able to afford Isak anymore.
Romano spoke on his personal transfer show about Isak’s transfer speculation, and surprisingly went into Newcastle’s corner and claimed any deal would be difficult this summer.
“Arsenal consider him the dream target but it’s not an easy one,” Romano said. “Liverpool really appreciate the player. Liverpool have made some contact too.
“But the problem in this case is Newcastle. They will make life very difficult for any club interested in Isak because they want to keep the player. For Isak, it has to be a big, big proposal. They want to keep the player.
“They see Isak as part of the club next season. To change this would take something completely crazy.”
Barcelona have also been linked with a move for Isak this summer, but their pressing financial issues make a deal very difficult to complete.
“Let me clarify for Barcelona,” Romano adds, putting the La Liga challengers well behind Liverpool and Arsenal at this stage.
“My understanding is that [Isak] is way too expensive. Barcelona appreciate Isak, yes, but in terms of realistic targets, for him to go there at the moment is more than complicated.”
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Alexander Isak’s contract situation at Newcastle United
While there is a lot of transfer interest in Isak, a new contract would make it all go away this summer.
The Swede currently has three years left on his current deal, but it makes sense for both parties to tie him down to a longer deal so the player and the club reap the benefits.
Isak is focused on this season with Newcastle and will look at his contract when the season ends and the club’s status in Europe is clearer.
Reports suggest that Isak will become Newcastle’s biggest earner if he signs a new contract and could even take the number nine shirt from Callum Wilson, who looks set to leave the club after five years on Tyneside.
The Magpies have big plans for the future, and they want Isak to be a part of them.
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