Alexander Isak has told Newcastle he wants to leave as he looks to explore his options elsewhere, with Liverpool keen on the forward after he made glowing comments about Arne Slot’s side
Alexander Isak’s past comments show exactly why the striker is pushing for a Newcastle United exit. The Liverpool target has told the Magpies he wants to explore a move to another club after three years at Newcastle under Eddie Howe.
Despite being linked with a Liverpool transfer throughout the summer, a move seemed unlikely as Newcastle repeatedly made it clear that their star player was not up for sale, reportedly demanding a whopping £150million fee for him.
Liverpool then shifted their focus to signing Frenchman Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt in a deal worth up to £79m. However, recent developments regarding Isak have led the Premier League champions to now consider shattering the British transfer record for the second time this summer to secure the Swedish international.
On Thursday morning, it was announced that Isak would be absent from Newcastle’s pre-season tour of Asia due to what was described as a thigh issue. But Isak is understood to be considering his options. Amid speculation regarding his future, Howe opted to send the Swede home before the pre-season match at Celtic last weekend.
Following a standout season where he netted 23 goals in the Premier League, The Times reported that Isak’s representatives were seeking a new contract worth around £300,000-per-week. Yet, Newcastle are only prepared to offer up to £200,000-per-week, which may have influenced Isak’s decision to now search for another club.
However, aside from contract discussions, the striker has previously demonstrated he’s not one to shy away from taking the next step for the good of his career, even if that move is considered bold or risky. Following his £63m switch to Newcastle in August 2022, he told the club’s official website that this same mindset led him to depart Sweden for Borussia Dortmund at just 17 years of age.
Isak explained: “I didn’t hesitate to leave Sweden, it was just deciding where. In football, you never know when the next chance is going to come, and so you take it. Obviously, as a young player, you need time on the pitch. If you’re not getting that, all you can do is train harder.
“That’s what I did, I stayed later, I trained on my own as well. I knew my chance would come, even if it wasn’t there, I knew it would come at another club and I wanted to be ready.”
Liverpool are believed to be a realistic destination for Isak should he leave St James’ Park this summer, given their recent Premier League success and financial muscle to pull off the move. Isak himself has also been vocal about his admiration for the Reds’ playing style.
Newcastle’s style of play influenced his decision to join the North East outfit three years ago, as he admitted: “There’s a lot of parts that need to be in place to make a big decision like this. But I think a big reason is the big project that this club has going.
“I’ve seen the way they play – it’s very attractive football – and not least the amazing fans as you can see. [They’re] very passionate fans, and you can feel just by being here that this city breathes Newcastle. I’m very happy to be here.”
He then compared Liverpool’s style of play to Newcastle’s after the 2-1 victory in the Carabao Cup final against Arne Slot’s side in March, saying after he netted the winning goal: “I really enjoy the games against Liverpool, because I think they’re not too different to ourselves.
“They are a high-pressing team and a direct team, which can lead to many counter-opportunities. That’s the game I like.”