Alexander Isak wants to leave Newcastle United, multiple sources privy to the situation have told The Athletic.
The Sweden international’s absence from Newcastle’s pre-season friendly at Celtic and tour to Asia was a preference of the 25-year-old striker, although the club has not confirmed this.
Newcastle have been determined to retain Isak on an improved contract — his existing terms run until June 2028 — but are also exploring potential replacements in case he departs.
The club insisted Isak was left behind because of a minor thigh problem but sources, speaking anonymously as they were not authorised to do so publicly, indicate the forward favoured being omitted amid his uncertain future.
Liverpool have previously communicated their interest in Isak and over doing a deal in the region of £120million. Newcastle’s stance has consistently been that the player is not for sale.
Newcastle have no interest in selling Isak but that might not stop some clubs for trying. Which raises the question, how much would he cost?
Both Newcastle and Liverpool were interested in Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike before the Merseyside club closed a transfer worth an initial £69m earlier this week.
Isak has established himself as one of the most prolific forwards in European football and only Liverpool’s Mohammed Salah (29) scored more than him (23) in the Premier League last season.
He joined Newcastle from Real Sociedad in August 2022 for a fee in the region of £60m and has made 109 appearances since.
Last season he scored 27 goals in all competitions, including one in the Carabao Cup final to help secure Newcastle their first domestic trophy in 70 years.
