Liverpool are set to test Newcastle’s resolve with a potential record-breaking bid for Alexander Isak this week in a move that could prove to be the make-or-break moment for the Magpies and their big club aspirations.
Isak was left out of Newcastle’s pre-season tour of Asia after asking to explore a transfer away from the club amid interest from Liverpool, who are prepared to break the British transfer record for the second time this summer to sign the Swedish international.
Newcastle have insisted that Isak is not for sale this summer and Liverpool are believed to only be willing to pursue a deal for the striker if they receive encouragement from the North East side that their stance may be softened.
The ball, therefore, appears to be in Newcastle’s court, with Isak still having three years on his contract and the player having stopped short of handing in a formal transfer request or publicly declaring that he will not play for the club again.
With just three weeks until the new Premier League season and deals already proving difficult to close for Newcastle, there is no incentive to negotiate for Isak and his sale at this point would only define their position as a selling club willing to strengthen rivals at the cost of their own ambition.
Newcastle Saudi Arabian project at crossroads with Isak decision
“Most importantly, you can expect ambition. We want to create a consistently successful team. We’re here to build long-term success for the club. I think we should have an ambition and aspiration to be number one.”
Those were the words of Yasir Al-Rumayyan after he was named chairman of Newcastle following the takeover by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) in 2021, and up until now he has delivered on his words.
The Magpies won their first domestic trophy in 70 years by defeating Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final in February, with Isak himself scoring the winner, and it appeared Newcastle had the best platform possible to build on their success after securing Champions League qualification for next season too.
Yet they have made just one significant first-team signing in the last 23 months and Howe spoke of his frustrations over another tough summer window for Newcastle – a difficulty that will only be compounded by the sale of his top scorer.
But Isak’s departure would be far more detrimental than goals, particularly to a Premier League rival whom Newcastle will believe they can one day overtake, while also seeing that same club sign their preferred replacement in Ekitike and conducting a public pursuit to unsettle the player weeks before the season.
Of course, if Isak is willing to burn bridges on Tyneside, Newcastle may feel considering his sale is necessary, however the price should reflect the distaste of the situation and the state of the market, indicating that even the previously-suggested £150 million (€172m) valuation is now outdated.
Ultimately, Newcastle are at a crossroads in a situation that they still control and the time has come for the club to stand on their ambitions to be the best, or simply hand Liverpool their keys to a potential dynasty and leave the Saudi project flaming out in dramatic fashion.
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