Newcastle United received a shock enquiry from Liverpool for star striker Alexander Isak, with the Magpies confirming he is not for sale.
While Eddie Howe has his focus on signing a striker, the club were met with a big surprise when Liverpool enquired about Alexander Isak.
The Sweden international is coming off the back of a sensational season, scoring 27 goals in all competitions to help Newcastle United to Carabao Cup glory and Champions League qualification.
However, speculation around Isak’s future has circulated since June, with reports stating Liverpool are seriously interested. Those reports were mere speculation until Tuesday, when it was revealed Newcastle had received an enquiry from Liverpool about Isak, with Arne Slot’s side ready to place a bid of £120million.
Liverpool were met with a resounding ‘no’ from Newcastle, with Howe planning on building a team around Isak ahead of next season. Anthony Elanga has signed, and Newcastle are in talks to sign Hugo Ekitike as his new partner in attack, but it could all come crashing down if the Reds place an offer that the Magpies cannot refuse.
With Isak’s future set to be a topic of discussion for the rest of the summer, football finance expert Kieran Maguire has named the few clubs who can actually afford to sign Isak this summer.
- Who is Alexander Isak? The striker who burned his Newcastle United reputation to force £125m Liverpool transfer
Who can afford Newcastle United star Alexander Isak at £120m
The belief is that Newcastle would need an offer of at least £150m for Isak just to begin discussions with an interested party, so Liverpool are still a long way off in their hopes of signing him for £120m.
Newcastle had a £70m bid for Ekitike rejected, but they are likely to return with a second offer for the 23-year-old. Keith Downie believes Ekitike is a long-term replacement for Isak, but Howe will be eager to have the pair of them on Tyneside for many years to come.
In reality, it appears very few clubs could afford Isak for the same price Liverpool are offering. That is according to Kieran Maguire, who spoke on GRV Media’s Beyond the Back Four podcast.
“Only two or three clubs in the world could afford Isak at £120m,” Maguire said.
“Real Madrid have a lot of forwards already, while Barcelona are a basket case with their finances. In the Premier League, there would be a huge resistance from Newcastle United to sell to their rivals.
“This leaves just Bayern Munich and PSG (as clubs who can afford him). If Isak wants to max earnings, then the Saudi Pro League would be an option, but other players at a similar stage (in their careers) want to be in the Champions League, which Newcastle can offer.
“Even if he signs a new contract now, it doesn’t mean he can’t be sold in 12 months anyway.”
Alexander Isak could easily be unsettled by Liverpool’s approach
Having seen the way he played against them last season, it comes as no surprise that Liverpool are seriously interested in Isak, especially when they are looking for a top striker.
Reports suggest Darwin Nunez will leave Liverpool this summer, so Slot will be short of options in attack without bringing someone else in.
Newcastle think Liverpool’s approach was made to unsettle Isak, and it is now important that Howe and his team keep the 25-year-old’s morale high during pre-season to deter any unrest for their star striker.
After his brilliant season, Newcastle want to reward Isak with a new deal which would see him become the club’s highest-paid player. Additionally, Newcastle are ready to offer Isak the No.9 shirt, which is now available following Callum Wilson’s exit after five seasons.
Liverpool’s interest is genuine, and Newcastle will be fully prepared to do whatever it takes to keep their star man happy on Tyneside.
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