Alexander Isak future: Six possible destinations for Newcastle United star after 'transfer bombshell'

Alexander Isak has reportedly told Newcastle United that he wants to leave St James' Park during this summer's transfer window, with the Sweden international keen to explore pastures new.

The 25-year-old made the move to Newcastle from Real Sociedad in the summer of 2022, and he has developed into one of the best centre-forwards in world football during his time with the Magpies.

Isak has scored 62 goals and registered 11 assists in 109 appearances for Newcastle, including 27 goals and six assists in 42 outings for Eddie Howe's side during the 2024-25 campaign.

Eyebrows were raised when Isak was not included in the Newcastle squad for their pre-season tour of Asia, with the club insisting that his absence was due to a slight thigh problem.

However, according to The Athletic, Isak asked to be left out of the squad, as he has informed his current side that he wants to leave during this summer's transfer window.

There are contrasting reports when it comes to Newcastle's valuation of Isak, but it is accepted that he would be unable to leave for less than £100m, with the Magpies potentially wanting as much as £150m.

However, a deal could eventually be done around the £120m mark, and here Sports Mole looks at six possible destinations for Isak this summer following the transfer bombshell.

Liverpool

Liverpool announced on Wednesday that they had come to an agreement with Eintracht Frankfurt over a deal for Hugo Ekitike, with the forward set to make the move to Anfield this summer.

The initial fee for Ekitike is around £69m, with £10m in add-ons, which has taken Liverpool's spending past £250m, including the blockbuster deal for Florian Wirtz earlier in the window.

Liverpool remain interested in Isak despite signing Ekitike, and it is believed that the sale of Luis Diaz, potentially to Bayern Munich, could put the Reds in a position where a deal would be possible.

Darwin Nunez may also move on before the end of the transfer window, and it would be some statement of intent from Liverpool if they were able to land Isak.

Ekitike's move looked to have ended Liverpool's interest, but that is not believed to be the case, with the Premier League title holders regarded as the favourites for Isak at this stage of developments.

Newcastle United

Isak has a contract at Newcastle until June 2028, so the Magpies have every right to simply tell Isak that he is not allowed to leave during this summer's transfer window.

Following the team's 4-0 defeat to Celtic in a friendly last weekend, Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe said that he was "confident" of keeping Isak amid the transfer speculation.

"It's difficult for me to give 100% clarity on any player. Alex is happy at Newcastle, he loves the players, the staff, the team. I'm confident he'll be here at the start of the season. We have a few of those players who are irreplaceable. We're desperate to keep Alex (Isak) part of our team," said Howe.

The situation has moved on since then due to Isak's stance, but if Newcastle do not receive a suitable offer for his services, then the striker might be forced to remain at St James' Park, at least for another 12 months.

Al-Hilal

The strongest interest from the Saudi Pro League is believed to be coming from Al-Hilal, with Simone Inzaghi's side thought to lead the race when it comes to clubs from Saudi Arabia.

Isak would surely be reluctant to leave European football behind at this stage of his career, but he could become one of the best-paid athletes in the world with a switch to Al-Hilal.

The Saudi outfit are believed to have made an attempt to sign Victor Osimhen from Napoli before the Club World Cup, while they were linked with an ambitious move for a certain Cristiano Ronaldo before he signed a new deal at Al-Nassr.

Al-Hilal have the funds and financial power to sign the Swede, but it is unclear at this stage of proceedings whether the striker would seriously consider leaving European football behind at the age of 25.

Chelsea

Chelsea are also viewed as potential contenders for Isak despite the fact that the club are not currently looking to bring in a striker after deals for Joao Pedro and Liam Delap earlier this summer.

Nicolas Jackson is also still at Stamford Bridge, although his future is currently the subject of speculation, with Manchester United believed to be considering moving for him before the end of the transfer window.

According to The Independent, Chelsea do have room in their budget to launch a spectacular move for Isak, and it would be an incredible statement of intent from the world champions.

Chelsea are currently being heavily linked with a move for RB Leipzig's Xavi Simons, but it is not impossible to imagine them dropping their interest in the Dutchman to pursue Isak.

The Blues are already being spoken about as serious contenders for the Premier League title during the 2025-26 campaign, and bringing in a player of Isak's ilk would only strengthen that argument.

Manchester United

Could they?

It would be a shock if Man United pulled off a deal for Isak, but it is not impossible, and the 20-time English champions have shown that they still carry serious weight in the transfer market.

Indeed, both Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo had chances to go elsewhere this summer, but the pair made it clear that they only wanted to make the move to Old Trafford despite the club's lack of European football.

Man United need a new number nine, and Isak could completely transform their attack, but a lot of things would have to fall into place for the deal to become even remotely possible.

Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia would all need to be sold, and close to £100m could potentially be generated by their exits this summer.

Marcus Rashford's loan move to Barcelona has also provided Man United with a major financial boost, and there is a set of circumstances that could lead to Isak making a shock move to the 20-time English champions.

Real Madrid

Real Madrid will always be in the market for the best players in world football, and they will surely be keeping a close eye on what occurs with Isak, especially amid the uncertainty surrounding Rodrygo's future.

There is still a strong possibility that Rodrygo leaves Bernabeu this summer, while Vinicius Junior continues to be linked with a big-money move to the Saudi Pro League, having not yet signed a new contract.

Real Madrid will be concerned about Barcelona's strength, as the Catalan giants were so impressive last season, and it is well-known that new head coach Xabi Alonso wants another forward to arrive this summer.

It would be a significant move for Real Madrid, but if Rodrygo does indeed leave, then Isak may well be given the chance to play alongside Kylian Mbappe in what would be a devastating Los Blancos attack next term.

Isak has previous in La Liga, scoring 33 times and registering five assists in 105 appearances in the competition during his time with Real Sociedad.

Written by
Matt Law