Alexander Isak Stuns Newcastle United: Star Striker Pushes for Exit Amid Contract Deadlock and Liverpool Interest Intensifies
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE
Newcastle United are facing a potential summer crisis as their star forward, Alexander Isak, has reportedly communicated his intention to leave the club, sending shockwaves through the Magpies’ camp and unsettling fans ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
The 25-year-old Swedish international, who finished last season as the club’s top scorer with 23 Premier League goals and 27 in all competitions, is understood to be deeply frustrated by Newcastle’s failure to meet his new contract demands and growing concern over the club’s transfer ambitions. With Liverpool among several top European sides monitoring the situation closely, the striker’s future at St James’ Park is hanging by a thread.
Sources close to the club indicate that Isak had requested an improved wage package in line with his status as one of the Premier League’s most clinical forwards. His current contract, which runs until June 2028, reportedly earns him around £120,000 per week—a figure significantly lower than what many of his peers earn at clubs of similar stature.
While initial negotiations began positively, talks have since stalled, with Isak’s representatives demanding a revised salary close to £180,000 per week—a figure Newcastle’s current wage structure appears unwilling or unable to match, particularly amid tight Financial Fair Play (FFP) considerations and internal restructuring following the departure of Sporting Director Paul Mitchell.
The deadlock has reportedly led to Isak pulling out of the club’s pre-season tour, citing personal reasons, though insiders suggest it was a calculated signal of discontent. Eddie Howe and his coaching staff were left stunned, with one source describing the timing as “deeply concerning.”
With Newcastle vulnerable, Liverpool have emerged as the most serious suitor for Isak’s signature. The Reds, who are looking to rebuild under new boss Rúben Amorim, view the Swede as a perfect long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah, who is widely expected to depart for Saudi Arabia at the end of the 2025/26 season.
Liverpool’s opening valuation is said to be in the region of £85–90 million, with performance-based add-ons that could push the total package towards £100 million. While Newcastle have not yet publicly responded, club sources suggest they would consider letting Isak go for a fee in excess of £95 million, given his importance and contract length.
Other clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan, have reportedly made inquiries, though none have submitted formal bids.
Isak’s potential exit threatens to undermine the momentum Newcastle built last season, where they secured fifth place in the Premier League and lifted the Carabao Cup, their first major trophy since 1955. His goals were instrumental to that success, with fans and pundits alike hailing him as the “face of the new Newcastle.”
Manager Eddie Howe has repeatedly praised Isak’s professionalism and attacking instincts, stating in May:
> “He’s one of the best finishers I’ve ever coached—calm under pressure, and a game-changer on his day.”
However, with the club struggling in the current transfer window—having already missed out on key targets such as James Trafford, Bryan Mbeumo, and João Pedro—the atmosphere has shifted from optimism to anxiety. The recruitment team remains in flux, and the lack of reinforcements has reportedly contributed to Isak’s doubts about the club’s ambitions.
Newcastle now face a critical few weeks. The club must make a decision: either meet Isak’s contract demands and reaffirm their commitment to building around him—or cash in and risk the backlash from fans and a destabilized dressing room.
Fans have taken to social media using hashtags like #KeepIsak and #PayTheMan, urging the club’s Saudi-backed ownership to secure the striker’s future.
Yet financial reality looms. With Champions League football back on the cards, the club must also invest to compete at the highest level. Selling Isak would offer the funds to do so—but could simultaneously unravel the very progress made under Howe’s leadership.
As things stand, Alexander Isak’s future at Newcastle United is in serious jeopardy. A striker in his prime, with elite-level suitors and contract frustrations, he holds the cards. Whether Newcastle can convince him to stay—and back it up with ambition in the transfer market—will define their 2025/26 season.
For now, St James’ Park holds its breath.
