Alexander Isak’s future has become the defining storyline of this transfer window and it could overshadow the football when Liverpool travel up north to face Newcastle United on Monday, August 25.
The Swedish striker has pushed to leave St James’ Park, while both clubs stand at a standoff over a fee and suitable replacement.
Liverpool tested Newcastle’s resolve with a £110m [$147m] bid earlier in the transfer window but that offer was rejected immediately.
Yet, according to the TEAMtalk, the Reds are expected to return in the coming days with an improved proposal, potentially between £120m [$160m] and £130m [$174m]
Newcastle, though, continue to hold out for £150m [$201m].
There is one more caveat to that - Newcastle’s hierarchy are adamant they cannot sanction a sale without a replacement.
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According to Sky Sports News reporter Keith Downie - “Newcastle are stressing here that they have been unable to find a suitable replacement for Alexander Isak, coupled by Liverpool’s opening bid falling significantly below the striker’s valuation.”
He added that had Newcastle secured Hugo Ekitike or Benjamin Sesko, “in all likelihood the club would have reluctantly sold Isak to Liverpool with an increased bid from the Premier League champions.”
The tension escalated when Isak released a statement on social media Tuesday night, accusing the club of breaking promises about his future.
He wrote, “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. When promises are broken and trust is lost, the relationship can’t continue.”
The day later, the 25-year-old continued to trained away from the first-team group, further indicating a rift that has gone beyond negotiation and into daily team life.
Newcastle United responds with the message of their own as Liverpool fixture beckons
That sequence of events forced Newcastle to issue their own statement.
The club said they “We want to keep our best players, but we also understand players have their own wishes and we listen to their views” but “must always take into consideration the best interests of Newcastle United, the team and our supporters.”
The statement stressed that “the conditions of a sale this summer have not transpired” and insisted they “do not foresee those conditions being met.”
Downie underlined the point - “Newcastle have tried hard to facilitate and give Isak his wish, but they cannot leave themselves without a recognised striker.
Unless something out of the blue comes up between now and the window closing on September 1, it appears Isak will be staying. If and when he plays again is another story.”
Isak’s push comes as the Magpies prepare to host Liverpool in a match heavy with subplots and just last season, these two sides met in the Carabao Cup final where Isak scored the decisive goal to secure Newcastle’s first domestic trophy in seven decades.
Newcastle news and related links
- Liverpool dealt injury blow ahead of Premier League clash against Newcastle
- Wayne Rooney claims there's 'no way back' for Isak at Newcastle
- Alexander Isak next club: Where Newcastle United striker could go if Liverpool transfer falls through