Alexander Isak’s future at Newcastle United looks increasingly uncertain as a new development in the ongoing transfer saga of the striker has been confirmed.
Isak has not travelled with the Newcastle squad to Singapore for a friendly with Arsenal on Sunday, having already missed last weekend’s 4-0 loss against Celtic in Glasgow.
Although the club is insistent that the Sweden international forward is absent because of an ongoing thigh injury, rumours surrounding the 25-year-old suggest he is seeking to force through a blockbuster move from Newcastle.
Why this matters?
Isak has found himself the centre of transfer rumours for several months. Both Liverpool and Arsenal are said to have seen him as a ‘dream’ target this summer, but the Gunners have given up hope and moved for compatriot Viktor Gyokeres instead.
The Anfield side, though, still harbour hopes of a Premier League-record deal amid claims that Isak is requesting a new contract Newcastle that would “smash” the club’s current wage structure.
Although Liverpool confirmed the signing of Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday for €95m, the Reds have been “toying” with the idea of signing both strikers. This is despite having shelled out in excess of €300m already this summer.
Rumours have also linked Isak with a move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, although this would be a surprising move for a player still hitting his peak. Nevertheless, with Saudi’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) owning both Newcastle and Al-Hilal, it could be a loophole the owners seek to exploit.
Newcastle, meanwhile, have been insistent that Isak is not for sale at any cost.
Certainly, any buying club will have to pay well over the former Real Sociedad striker’s Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €116m. A figure of €135m has been tipped as the type of fee that Liverpool have been willing to put forward.
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