Newcastle United have made their not for sale this summer stance crystal clear on Alexander Isak, with Saudi FIP intervening to help keep the Sweden International at Tyneside.
According to an exclusive report published Friday morning by The Telegraph, Newcastle United Chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan also oversees Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), the majority stakeholder in the club, has personally intervened to shut down any potential transfer of the Swedish striker.
Luke Edwards of The Telegraph notes that it is highly unusual for Al-Rumayyan to involve himself directly in the club’s day-to-day operations. Typically, he entrusts those responsibilities to the senior leadership at St James’ Park. However, the exceptional nature of this situation has prompted him to take a firm stance, reinforcing PIF’s position that Isak is simply not available.
With the new Premier League season just three weeks away, this development marks a pivotal moment for Newcastle United and manager Eddie Howe.
Speculation has swirled around Liverpool’s interest in Isak, but the Merseyside club has yet to make a formal approach. Despite media reports suggesting Liverpool would be willing to pay around £120 million, Newcastle has consistently valued the striker at over £150 million. The lack of a credible offer, especially this late in the pre-season, has reportedly not been well received by Al-Rumayyan and the club’s ownership.
An insightful piece by The Athletic’s football finance expert earlier today highlighted that a £150 million transfer fee would translate into a total financial outlay of over £250 million for any buying club, once agent fees, transfer levies, and wages are factored in.
While nothing can ever be ruled out in football, any potential deal for Isak will be dictated strictly on Newcastle United’s terms. Attempts to unsettle the player through media leaks or backdoor tactics are unlikely to succeed.
If Liverpool or any other club is serious about signing Alexander Isak, they will need to submit a formal offer that meets Newcastle’s full valuation. Only then will Yasir Al-Rumayyan consider his next move.
But the notion that Newcastle United could be pressured into a cut-price sale? That, according to sources close to the club, is simply laughable.
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