The world of football was rocked on Thursday by reports that Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak is exploring a move away from the club this summer.
The striker did not fly with the team to Singapore and was not included in their 30-man squad for their pre-season tour, with the club citing an apparent “minor thigh injury” as the reason.
Reports later emerged that the decision was actually the preference of the player himself, as Isak considers his future on Tyneside.
Newcastle have maintained a firm stance that the 25-year-old is not for sale, rejecting an enquiry from Liverpool earlier in the window.
However, with Isak’s stance now known, the Magpies are faced with a dilemma of whether to cash in on their best player or keep hold of a possibly unsettled figure within the squad.
Eddie Howe: Whatever happens has to be right for Newcastle
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s pre-season fixture against Arsenal in Singapore, manager Eddie Howe addressed the speculation surrounding Isak’s future.
“Of course there are things going on behind the scenes,” Howe admitted. “Conversations that happen with Alex and the club, or Alex and myself, will stay private for obvious reasons.”
He added: “We would love him to continue his journey at Newcastle. Although, whatever happens has to be right for Newcastle.”
After Isak missed the 4-0 friendly defeat to Celtic in Scotland, Howe admitted that the player was sent home due to ongoing speculation around him.
While expressing confidence that Isak would stay at the club, Howe acknowledged that he could not give “100% clarity” on his future, adding that he “respected that a player’s career is short”.
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Newcastle exploring contingencies
In case Isak departs, Newcastle are said to be eyeing potential replacements.
Talks are ongoing with Brentford over a move for forward Yoanne Wissa, with the Bees having already turned down a £25 million bid for the 28-year-old.
Additionally, Newcastle are also exploring a deal for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, though a move for the Slovenian striker will only be pursued if Isak is sold.
The Magpies have had a fraught summer so far, missing out on many of their key targets including Bryan Mbuemo, Joao Pedro, Hugo Ekitike, James Trafford and Dean Huijsen.
The club’s only significant signing remains Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest for £55 million.
Why Isak is in high demand
Since arriving from Real Sociedad for £63 million in 2022, Isak has firmly established himself as one of the best players in the Premier League.
The Swede has scored 54 times in only 86 Premier League games.
In leading the line for the Magpies, he has helped guide the club to two Champions League place finishes in three seasons.
Last season, Isak was nominated for PFA Player of the Year after scoring 23 goals and registering six assists in 34 Premier League appearances.
On top of that, Isak is the epitome of the modern striker.
He combines aerial threat, finishing, dribbling, pace, pressing ability and elite positioning, making him a nightmare for opposition defenders to handle.
However, Isak’s availability has been called into question.
The 25-year-old has missed considerable stretches over the past three campaigns, which may make potential suitors wary of a transfer given Newcastle’s valuation of around £150 million.
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Where could Isak go?
Due to Isak’s contract situation (running until 2028), high price tag, and wage demands, only a few clubs could realistically pursue a deal for the forward.
Chelsea are reportedly not in the running, while Arsenal – despite being admirers of the player – are unlikely to go for him, with the club nearing the completion of a deal for Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres and eyeing a deal for Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze.
Liverpool are the most heavily linked, having already enquired about the player earlier in the window for a deal worth £120 million.
Newcastle communicated that the player is not for sale, which led Liverpool to move forward with the signing of Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt for an overall package of £79 million.
Despite having signed the Frenchman, Liverpool are reportedly still attentive to the situation around Isak.
How can Liverpool afford Isak?
Liverpool have spent close to £300 million this summer as they look to strengthen their title-winning side from last season.
In what is already a seismic window for the club, any deal for Isak would likely take the club’s overall expenditure to over £400 million.
Nonetheless, Liverpool are said to have the Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) headroom to spend further without breaching Premier League regulations – even before considering any potential outgoings.
Luis Diaz has attracted interest from Bayern Munich, who saw a £58 million bid rejected earlier in the window but remain confident of securing a deal for the Colombian.
Should Diaz leave, Liverpool could focus on finding a direct replacement on the left wing, with Real Madrid’s Rodrygo and Lyon’s Malick Fofana both linked with potential moves to Merseyside.
Darwin Nunez is another player expected to leave. Saudi Arabian clubs are reportedly targeting the player after a proposed move to Napoli collapsed.
Harvey Elliott is also increasingly likely to depart in search of regular minutes.
Liverpool are also looking to add another centre-back to replace the departed Jarrell Quansah and are reportedly interested in Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi.
Whether a move for Isak would affect the funds for this need in the squad remains to be seen.
Liverpool must carefully consider whether investing heavily in Isak is worth the gamble – or if such a move would divert crucial funds from strengthening other key areas of the squad.
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Adam Peaker 
Newsjustnews writers 
Carmela Calling