Four weeks out from the end of the summer transfer window, the immediate future of Alexander Isak remains a hot topic of discussion among supporters of Liverpool and Newcastle.
The Swedish striker didn’t travel with the Magpies’ squad for their pre-season tour to the Far East, but he was seen at their training ground this morning, having returned from carrying out an individual programme in Spain.
The 25-year-old is set to meet with St James’ Park officials this week, with the words of Eddie Howe stating that players must ‘earn the right to train with us’ ringing in his ears just after the Reds saw an opening offer of £110m rejected by the Tyneside club on Friday.
What has David Ornstein said about Isak and Newcastle?
Despite Newcastle standing firm in the wake of that bid from Liverpool, The Athletic’s David Ornstein offered a comprehensive appraisal of the situation around Isak’s future.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, the journalist stated: “Newcastle absolutely want to keep Isak, their stance has been that he’s not for sale.
“There are three years left on his contract, so they’re in a really strong position. However, he does want to leave.”
Ornstein went on to add: “I think it’s come to that point where Newcastle understand that a deal might have to be done for Isak, provided they get the right financial offer.
“I suspect they probably will given Liverpool’s apparent commitment and Isak’s determination to go.
“But PIF won’t roll over on this. They’ll want the circumstances to be right for them – and that necessitates a high-quality replacement coming in. The first choice is Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig.
“The problem with that is competition from Manchester United primarily, and the finances being extremely high in terms of a transfer fee.”
The reliable reporter concluded: “If they don’t get somebody in, I don’t see how they’ll be willing to release Isak.
“But, as you say, there are still exactly four weeks to go until the transfer window closes, so there is still time and scope for a replacement to be sought, and then for Newcastle to accept an offer provided it’s at the right financial level.
“Newcastle did not want to be in this position, but it seems Isak’s representatives made it clear to Newcastle for some time that he would be departing this summer.
“For all parties, a solution needs to be found because the current situation cannot continue.”
Isak situation could come to a head soon
It seems apparent that the striker wants to join Liverpool and that Howe is far from happy with the 25-year-old’s conduct of late, so the meeting which is reportedly scheduled for the coming days could see some frank views being exchanged.
If indeed Isak has his heart set on a move to Anfield, it could take a thoroughly convincing pitch from Newcastle chiefs to entice him to stay. If it becomes clear that he doesn’t see his future with the Magpies, the St James’ Park hierarchy might eventually decide that the best option is to cash in.
Tyneside deity Alan Shearer is empathetic to the forward’s situation but urged his club to take the money for the Sweden international if his preference is to depart (via The Rest is Football).
Matters could potentially come to a head in the next few days, and Liverpool will be watching on with keen interest, with a high likelihood of a second transfer offer being sent to the northeast in the hope that it might elicit a warmer response than the first bid.
Four weeks from today, we’ll know for sure where Isak will be playing his football for the remainder of 2025. Between now and then, the saga could still have quite a few chapters to play out…