Tension is rising at St James’ Park as Alexander Isak has refused to commit himself to Newcastle United, declaring that he could leave this summer.
Isak’s dream move to Liverpool now appears to be on a standstill, due to the club not foreseeing the player being sold, as the conditions required for them to sanction a sale are unlikely to transpire in the final weeks of the window.
Isak, who joined the Magpies from Real Sociedad in August 2022, has scored 54 goals in 86 appearances for Newcastle. He is one of their primary weapons that has not only made them competitive for Champions League football, but also a force in domestic competitions.
He scored the winning goal in the EFL Cup Final against the Reds.
Should he make a move to Anfield, he would make Liverpool into an even more dangerous team than what they are, because of his ruthlessness in scoring goals.
However, Isak still has three years left on his contract, so Liverpool’s hopes of pursuing him have just been made that extra difficult.
Howe’s Headache
This scenario not only makes things worse for the club but also for Manager Eddie Howe, who may need to find another solution to score goals.
Bringing in players like Anthony Elanga helps, but to stay and compete for the Champions League spots, they could have to look at bringing in another top Centre Forward.
Yoane Wissa could be another attacking option, as the Magpies have made a bid worth £35million, taking it up to 40 with add-ons.
But if the Swedish striker does leave, the Magpies lack a focal point who can hold up play, as well as stay in and around the penalty area to score goals.
They were interested in Benjamin Šeško and put in a bid for £65.4 million ($86.8m) with a further £4.3m in potential add-ons.
However, the bid was rejected by RB Leipzig, as the Slovenian was only interested in a move to Old Trafford. This was because he was inclined to the vision of the club’s future.
Amidst all the chaos at St James’, the Magpies talisman issued a statement outlining the issue he had with his future at the club.
“I’ve kept quiet for a long time while others have spoken. That silence has allowed people to push their own version of events, even though they know it doesn’t reflect what was really said and agreed behind closed doors.
Isak: Sky Sports
He also clarified that this issue between himself and Newcastle United should not be made public or misused.
“The reality is that promises were made and the club has known my position for a long time. To now act as if these issues are only emerging is misleading.
If Isak indeed stays at Newcastle, it could just re-energise the team, to not only maintain their status as a Champions League team.
Whatever happens between now and 1st September, there is bound to be all sorts of chaos in the North East.
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