The situation regarding Alexander Isak and Newcastle United was completely avoidable.
Alas, it has emerged that Isak is open to leaving Newcastle during the summer transfer window. That is a seismic blow for Eddie Howe, who has already endured a miserable summer without losing his talisman.
Geordie Boot Boys understand that Isak wants to explore his options, with a new contract at St James’ Park seemingly no longer on the agenda.
The club were hoping that he would put pen to paper over a new deal, which in turn would have silenced the rumours of a move to someone like Liverpool. Instead, Isak has signalled his intent to leave.
- Who is Alexander Isak? The striker who burned his Newcastle United reputation to force £125m Liverpool transfer
Newcastle United’s decision to end Alexander Isak talks criticised
Contract talks with Isak are not new for Newcastle United. It was a situation they tried to address more than 12 months ago, with Newcastle speaking to the forward’s representatives before the 2023/24 season ended.
However, an agreement was not reached, while it was reported that Isak was not happy that contract talks ended. A decision was made by Paul Mitchell that a new deal was not a priority.
That decision might be coming back to haunt Newcastle United, with transfer expert Graeme Bailey telling Geordie Boot Boys that he thinks the Magpies made a mistake extending Anthony Gordon’s contract in 2024 and not Isak’s.
“I think this is of Newcastle’s making,” he said.
“Why did they extend Anthony Gordon’s contract when they did not necessarily need to?
“They should have prioritised Alexander Isak. Calling off those talks has impacted this situation massively.
“Newcastle are the first to tell us he is the best striker in the world right now, and he should be treated as such.”
What Alexander Isak wanted to earn at Newcastle United
The plan was for Isak to sign a new deal at St James’ Park, with Newcastle prepared to make him their highest-paid player. However, those plans were derailed when the forward’s contract demands emerged.
Geordie Boot Boys recently reported that Isak wanted £300,000-a-week at Newcastle, a figure that stunned Toon officials.
Now Isak could look to earn that amount somewhere else, as Newcastle United wonder what might have been. They can only look at themselves, with Isak certainly worthy of such a wage given the current market.
In comparison, Ekitike is earning £250,000-a-week at Liverpool. Isak is certainly a better player than Ekitike, and has proven as much during the past couple of years at Newcastle United.
If the Magpies cannot pay him what he is worth in today’s footballing climate, someone else will.
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