Alexander Isak is one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe and Newcastle know about the interest from their Premier League opponents. Isak had an excellent 2024-2025 season, scoring 27 goals in all competitions. The Magpies are facing a battle to keep their star.
In fact, Newcastle have nothing to worry about. The Swedish player has a contract until June 2028 and is delighted to play at St James' Park, where he leads a team on the rise.
The Magpies will compete in the Champions League next season after finishing fifth in the Premier League last season. They lifted the Carabao Cup in February after beating Liverpool in the final at Wembley. With the support of the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, they can buy a series of new stars.
But the reality is different and Newcastle know that they could be victims of Isak's own success. After spending £63 million to break Isak's transfer and recruitment record from Real Sociedad in August 2022, Newcastle have continuously received questions about buying this striker.
Arsenal have a long-standing interest in the 25-year-old, who has now scored 62 goals in 109 games in all competitions and broken the 20-goal mark in the Premier League twice.
And now, Liverpool are emerging as another potential threat, after spending huge sums of money to get the players they want. The most prominent is Florian Wirtz for £116 million.
Newcastle's plan
Isak is currently the highest earner at St James' Park, earning around £150,000 per week in a three-year contract extension. He wasure with his life when he said last season: "People have said that I love the city and this club so much, I feel good there. I don't think about the future. I just want to play for Newcastle."
However, the Magpies knew they needed action. The Times reported that Newcastle are ready to break their salary structure to give Isak more attractive terms. With the Champions League approaching, coach Eddie Howe knows the importance of keeping Isak.
"We want to keep our best players, I've said that since I was here and sat in this chair. We have to add more good players to the squad to help us become stronger.
The club's ambition is long-term success. And that is the only way to achieve the goal," Howe said.
Liverpool's advantage
Newcastle tried to avoid interest in Isak by offering a huge price. They are thought to be valued at Isak at £150 to £200 million.
The problem is that giving Isak a generous new contract will threaten the stability of the dressing room. If they give Isak a club record contract, people like Bruno Guimaraes or Sandro Tonali could demand the same treatment. In the era of profit-making and sustainability rules in the Premier League, these are very important.
This is Newcastle's weakness, because Liverpool have greater financial strength. The Kop pay Mohamed Salah around £380,000 a week, and simply because they have more money than the Magpies.
The Daily Mail reported that while Isak's move to the job this summer is unlikely, it is theoretically possible. Liverpool will need to sell a few players to clean up their salary fund, especially with Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez added.
Darwin Nunez is preparing to leave, Liverpool can wait and make the move to recruit Isak next summer.
Next month will be a pivotal time, especially if Isak does not sign a new contract with Newcastle.
