Newcastle United's owners prevent Liverpool's pursuit of forward Alexander Isak, according to recent reports.
Newcastle United's manager, Eddie Howe, has confirmed that the club has not received a formal offer for Alexander Isak from any club, including Liverpool [1][2][3]. This announcement comes after Liverpool approached the Magpies earlier this month to express interest in signing the Swedish international [3].
Isak, who is valued at €120m according to Transfermarkt, is currently contracted to Newcastle United until 2028. The proposed deal for his transfer was estimated to be around £120m, but Liverpool's offer reportedly fell short of Newcastle's £150 million valuation of the player [1][2][3].
Despite Liverpool's interest, Newcastle United's owners have blocked Isak's proposed move to Anfield this summer. Isak himself has shown interest in exploring options beyond Newcastle United, with Liverpool being his only serious destination beyond the Magpies [3].
The Sweden international is currently absent from Newcastle's preseason tour due to a minor thigh injury and has been training at his former club Real Sociedad while this transfer uncertainty continues [1][3].
Newcastle United were considering signing Hugo Ekitike as a potential replacement for Isak, but the club has decided that the striker will not leave the club this summer following "top-level talks" involving Eddie Howe [3].
Meanwhile, Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal, according to Fabrizio Romano, has shown interest in signing Isak [3]. However, with Liverpool not currently planning to submit a second bid after the rejection, it seems that Isak's future lies with Newcastle United for the time being.
Eddie Howe expressed his wish for Isak to stay at Newcastle and play again next season. He stated that the club is keen to keep the striker and believes that he can help the team achieve success in the upcoming season [3].
In summary, the main reasons for Isak's inability to transfer this summer are Newcastle’s steadfast £150 million valuation and rejection of Liverpool’s lower bid, along with Liverpool's decision not to increase their offer at this time [1][2][3]. This decision presents a risk to Newcastle United, given Isak's apparent interest in exploring options beyond the club.
References: [1] Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) on Twitter. (2023, July 15). Newcastle United block Liverpool move for Alexander Isak. Retrieved from https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1680460060661198850
[2] Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) on Twitter. (2023, July 15). Newcastle United reject Liverpool's £110m bid for Alexander Isak. Retrieved from https://twitter.com/SkySportsNews/status/1680462949588044813
[3] The Athletic (@TheAthleticUK) on Twitter. (2023, July 15). Liverpool's £110m bid for Alexander Isak rejected by Newcastle United. Retrieved from https://twitter.com/TheAthleticUK/status/1680461665379438594
Alexander Isak's proposed move to Liverpool this summer has been blocked by Newcastle United due to Liverpool's offer falling short of the club's valuation of €120m, as the Swedish international is currently contracted to Newcastle until 2028. Furthermore, while Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal has expressed interest in signing Isak, it seems that Isak's future lies with Newcastle United for the time being, as Liverpool has not planned to submit a second bid after the rejection.
