Newcastle United are firmly standing their ground as they have declared their intention to retain Swedish striker Alexander Isak, despite the prospect of a substantial £150 million offer. However, Isak has reportedly hinted at a willingness to join Liverpool, leaving the door slightly ajar for a potential transfer.
The Tyneside club have openly stated that Isak is not up for sale during the current transfer window, and Liverpool have seemingly shifted their focus towards discussions with Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike after having a €70 million bid rejected by Newcastle for the 23-year-old Ekitike.
In a conversation with Football Insider, Stefan Borson, a football finance expert and former financial adviser for Manchester City, highlighted Newcastle’s unique financial position, stating, “Newcastle can afford to decline offers; they are not under any normal financial duress. There are only a handful of clubs globally that possess such leverage.”
Newcastle, thanks to their prosperous ownership, find themselves in select company alongside football’s financial elite, who can comfortably reject blockbuster bids for their top talent. Borson mentioned, “If Isak were at a club like Brighton or Brentford, the situation would be vastly different. But Newcastle’s circumstances allow them to turn down £150 million without batting an eye.”
Further complicating matters is Newcastle’s own pursuit of an unproven Ekitike, who, though not a complete gamble, represents a significant financial risk given his lack of Premier League and Champions League experience. It’s a testament to the inflated market values that the renowned Premier League commands such astronomical fees.
Liverpool’s defensive struggles, coupled with an interest in acquiring Isak, have been well documented, but the Magpies may also face a formidable bid from Saudi Pro League giants, Al Hilal. The allure of working under manager Simone Inzaghi could test Isak’s loyalties, with some reports suggesting he has given the “green light” to such a move.
In a fresh report from Football Insider, Pete O’Rourke indicated that a transfer from St James’ Park would only become viable if Isak were to actively pursue a move to Merseyside or the Saudi league. “For this narrative to shift, Isak would need to press for Liverpool,” O’Rourke asserted, hinting that Newcastle’s steadfast transfer fee demands could be negotiable if the player expressed a strong desire to leave.
For the Magpies, retaining Isak is paramount, yet there is an underlying concern that discussions may unfold behind closed doors, where Newcastle might eventually entertain offers exceeding £120 million. With Isak’s future still clouded in speculation, Newcastle will need to navigate the upcoming weeks carefully.
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