In a major development, star striker Alexander Isak has officially informed Newcastle United of his desire to explore a move away from the club this summer, creating a tense situation on Tyneside.
The first signs of unrest came as the Swedish international was conspicuously absent from the club’s pre-season squad for their friendly against Celtic and the subsequent tour of Asia. While the official reason given was a thigh injury, reports have confirmed he was seen training separately from the main group.
According to The Times, the situation has come to a head after Isak rejected a new contract offer from Newcastle, a deal that would have made him the highest-paid player in the club’s history. He is reportedly demanding wages of around £300,000 per week and has told club officials he wishes to consider his options.
The player is believed to have been unsettled by significant transfer interest from both Liverpool and Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal.
Newcastle remain determined to keep their star player. With his contract running until 2028, they are under no immediate pressure to sell and have slapped a potential price tag of £150 million on him to deter bidders. As a compromise, the club has also suggested they could sanction a departure in the summer of 2026 if he agrees to stay for one more season.
Although Liverpool are still cited as suitors, their ability to fund such a massive deal is in serious doubt, having just completed a £79 million transfer for striker Hugo Ekitiké earlier this week.
The standoff between the player who wants to leave and the club that holds all the cards is now the biggest story at St James’ Park this summer.