It’s a defining moment for Newcastle United. So it is not just forward Alexander Isak who has communicated his desire to pursue new opportunities during this transfer window. Despite Newcastle’s firm stance on not selling the player, the situation has garnered significant attention, especially following Liverpool’s recent informal approach for Isak. The club’s ownership, headed by manager Eddie Howe, are already considering possible replacements, though with RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko named as a possible candidate.
For one thing, Isak is searching for a new club as he knows he should see his wages match the Premier League’s elite strikers. So far, Newcastle hasn’t done enough on this front to impress him. With the transfer window already open, Isak’s future at St. James’ Park is far from settled. With three years to run on his deal, Newcastle are in the driving seat in terms of any negotiations.
Isak Sent Home Amid Transfer Speculation
So it was a bold move by Eddie Howe to send Isak home before Newcastle’s pre-season friendly with Celtic. Sadly, that match would conclude with the squad’s first and only home loss, a crushing 4-0 thrashing. This ruling was shaped by the knowing and ongoing transfer bull that surrounded the player, most notably after Liverpool made their interest public. Howe explained his reasoning, stating:
“It was my decision. He travelled to Glasgow with us but I decided to send him home due to the speculation around him. The last thing he wanted is to be sat in the stands watching, that wasn’t fair to him. But I’m confident he will be a Newcastle player come the end of the window.” – Eddie Howe
Isak has been nursing a slight thigh complaint. Even more importantly, a long-haul flight would have seriously compromised his continued recovery. Howe acknowledged the challenges surrounding Isak’s mental state amid the ongoing rumors, emphasizing the importance of effective man management as the season approaches.
Discussions about Isak’s future play out, what is certain is that the 23-year-old has been the stand-out figure in training. Howe said Isak has been “excellent” and has trained “really well” despite the chatter around his longterm future with Newcastle.
Newcastle’s High Valuation and Interest in Sesko
Newcastle are reportedly holding out an astonishing £150 million valuation for the player. They clearly want people to know that he is not for sale at the moment. The club’s strong bargaining position is bolstered by Isak’s existing contract, which runs for another three years. Analysts suggest that the next steps depend on whether another club meets Newcastle’s valuation or if Isak opts for a new contract that reflects his worth.
After Liverpool recently signing Hugo Ekitike, rumour mongering over their interest in Isak persisted it was said. The addition of the club’s public flirtation with the striker only complicates Newcastle’s task even more, as they’re forced to tread very carefully in this sensitive situation. In the wake of all this, it sounds like Newcastle is keen on signing RB Salzburg’s Benjamin Sesko if Isak leaves.
Newcastle are already in advanced talks for Sesko. Arsenal were in for him before switching their attention to Viktor Gyokeres. According to some reports, any deal for Sesko would need to be north of €80 million (£69.7 million) in transfer fees. This requirement combined with their local match makes it a big investment for Newcastle.
“The package for Sesko must exceed €80m (£69.7m) in transfer fee. That Sesko is attracting interest from several top clubs is no secret. But he also comes with a price tag that only very few can afford.” – Philipp Hinze
The Future of Alexander Isak
As Isak attempts to steer through this tangle of conflicting interests, he is being pulled in all directions. The door is not completely closed on a transfer, with another club somehow able to match Newcastle’s asking price likely to reignite the move. There’s never been an official or formal transfer request, directly from Isak himself. Conversations about a new contract have been ongoing for the past few months, but so far they’ve been unable to reach an agreement.
The accumulated speculation has led to much discussion among pundits regarding Isak’s place in the lineup. Yet they’re having conversations about his long-term future at the club. One analyst stated:
“Isak is one of the best players in the Premier League, he’s arguably the best striker in the Premier League. He feels he should be paid similar to the top strikers, and he’s not at Newcastle. If he moved to a new club, whether that’s Liverpool or elsewhere, he would be remunerated in that way.”
Another commentator echoed similar sentiments regarding the potential outcomes for both Isak and Newcastle moving forward:
“But you ask me what happens now: either someone comes in and stumps up the £150m Newcastle are looking for, or Isak signs a new contract or bigger money, or he just gets his head back into being a Newcastle player – and begins the season in a positive frame of mind.”
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