Alexander Isak may have unintentionally made it harder to secure his desired move from Newcastle to Liverpool.
That’s the view of a leading journalist who’s followed the story all summer, with the situation escalating rapidly in recent days.
Last Tuesday, the Swedish striker released a statement on social media claiming Newcastle failed to honour ‘promises’ about his future. The club quickly responded, insisting that no such agreement to let him leave was ever made.
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What Craig Hope has said about Isak and Newcastle
Craig Hope, chief football reporter for the Daily Mail, appeared on Sky Sports’ Sunday Supplement and suggested Newcastle are now even more reluctant to sell Isak following the public fallout, particularly if they can’t secure attacking reinforcements.
Hope explained (via X): “I’ve maintained all along that the transfer fee wouldn’t be the sticking point. It could reach £150m with add-ons, but my understanding is that £130m-plus might have been enough.
“But since that statement, Newcastle’s hierarchy have toughened their stance on keeping him. It may now take more to change their minds — unless they manage to bring in those two forwards they’re after.”
Newcastle holding firm on Isak – but Liverpool still have a chance
Hope has also stressed that the Magpies are highly unlikely to part ways with Isak unless they strengthen their frontline first.
They recently saw a second bid for Brentford’s Yoane Wissa rejected (Sky Sports), and although Howe’s side remain keen, signing two strikers before the September 1 deadline looks improbable.
Understandably, Newcastle are determined to hold onto last season’s top scorer, but if Liverpool table an offer of £130m or more, the club may have no choice but to consider it.
Would Eddie Howe want to keep an unsettled player who could negatively affect the dressing room? Could Newcastle’s board worry about Isak’s value dropping if he’s not fully reintegrated or if his form dips?
With just over a week left in the transfer window, FSG must act quickly if they’re serious about landing him — and this saga still has time for another dramatic twist.
