Alexander Isak latest: Newcastle star ‘wants to leave’ this summer as Liverpool ‘make decision’ on record transfer

Liverpool-linked striker Alexander Isak has reportedly informed Newcastle United that he wants to leave the club this summer.

Although the Magpies have insisted throughout this summer that their leading marksman is not for sale, speculation over the 25-year-old’s future at St James’ Park remains rife ahead of the new season.

Eyebrows were raised on Thursday morning when Isak was omitted from Newcastle’s 30-man squad for their pre-season tour of Asia, with the Magpies stating that his absence is due to a ‘minor thigh injury’.

Isak had previously missed the Magpies’ heavy 4-0 friendly defeat to Celtic last weekend, with Howe admitting that his absence was partly due to the speculation surrounding his future.

Now, multiple sources privy to the situation have told The Athletic that Isak has requested to leave Newcastle and sources claim that it was the player’s preference to be left out of the club’s pre-season squad amid his uncertain future, contrary to the Magpies’ injury statement.

Isak bombshell a blow for Newcastle, but a huge boost for Liverpool

Newcastle have been determined to retain the services of Isak, who has three years remaining on his contract, and conversations over a new deal are understood to have taken place in the last few months, but nothing has been agreed between both parties at this stage.

Eddie Howe’s side, who recently had a bid rejected for Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, are now said to be exploring potential replacements for Isak in case he departs, with Liverpool believed to be at the front of the queue for his signature.

The reigning Premier League champions are the biggest spenders in world football so far this summer, with over £250m forked out on seven new signings, including the £79m addition of Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt that was confirmed on Wednesday.

Florian Wirtz arrived for a British-record fee of £116m earlier this summer, while Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and Giorgi Mamardashvili, Freddie Woodman and Armin Pesci have also made the move to Anfield.

Many initially assumed that Liverpool’s signing of forward Ekitike - who was strongly linked with Newcastle before moving to Merseyside - would result in the Reds cooling their interest in Isak, who was approached by Arne Slot’s side just under a fortnight ago and has been on the club’s radar throughout this summer.

However, the Liverpool Echo reports that the Reds have not given up on completing a record-breaking deal for the Sweden international before the window closes on September 1.

Liverpool are said to still be monitoring developments on Isak’s future and are keen to bring the 25-year-old to Anfield alongside Ekitike to create a new-look attack ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.

Liverpool yet to give up hope in completing record Isak transfer

Meanwhile, journalist Fabrizio Romano claims that if Newcastle open the door to an exit for Isak and Liverpool decide to sell Luis Diaz - who is allegedly wanted by Bayern Munich - then the Reds can submit a bid for Newcastle’s No.14.

Liverpool would be required to break the British transfer record for the second time this summer if they wish to sign Isak, who is valued in excess of £120m by Newcastle.

Isak has established himself as one of Europe’s best strikers and a fans’ favourite at St James’ Park since completing a club-record £63m switch from Real Sociedad in 2022.

The Swede has scored 62 goals and provided 11 assists in 109 appearances for the Magpies across all competitions, including 54 goals in 86 Premier League outings, with 23 of those netted in 34 games last season.

Howe recently said that he is "confident" that Isak will stay at Newcastle, but he was unable to entirely rule out the possibility of his star striker departing before the window slams shut.

Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal have also been credited with an interest in Isak, but it is thought that the striker would favour a move to Liverpool and to continue his career in Europe.

Written by
Oliver Thomas