Alexander Isak is exploring a move away from Newcastle this summer, with his ambition to compete at the highest level making a transfer to Liverpool “more likely” than a switch to Saudi Arabia.
The 25-year-old has rejected Newcastle’s contract extension offers and made his intentions clear to leave if the right opportunity arises.
Following an exclusive from the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope, The Times journalist Martin Hardy has provided further insight into the situation at St James’ Park.
Hardy reports that Isak is “seeking a new deal worth around £300,000 per week,” but Newcastle were only “prepared to offer about £200,000 per week,” citing concerns that any higher wage could cause issues within the squad.
However, Isak’s motivation to leave Newcastle isn’t purely financial.
Despite Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal reportedly preparing a lucrative offer worth as much as £500,000 per week, Liverpool’s potential package – valued at approximately £130 million – appeals more to Isak due to his desire to continue playing top-level football.
“Isak wants to remain competing at the highest level,” Hardy explains.
“This makes a potential transfer to Liverpool, the reigning Premier League champions, more likely than a move to Saudi Arabia.”
Elsewhere, Newcastle’s valuation of Isak remains firm at around £150million, although the club’s previous not-for-sale stance appears to have softened.
According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Newcastle are “exploring potential replacements in case he departs,” having already missed out on Hugo Ekitike.
Their attempts to sign Liam Delap and Joao Pedro have also fallen through, with both players joining Chelsea, while Brentford rejected Newcastle’s £25million bid for Yoane Wissa.
If Isak leaves, Newcastle would likely need to bring in two strikers, especially following Callum Wilson’s departure on a free transfer.
Internally, it’s believed that Ekitike – who signed for Liverpool in a £79million deal on Wednesday night – was viewed as Newcastle’s next first-choice striker.
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