Alexander Isak remains determined to leave St James’s Park, despite emergency discussions with the Newcastle hierarchy. The Newcastle striker has reiterated his wish to depart before Monday’s transfer deadline and has set his sights on a switch to Liverpool.
Liverpool have seen one offer rejected and are prepared to return with an improved bid if given any encouragement, though they remain significantly short of Newcastle’s £150m asking price. Newcastle chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan is attempting to negotiate an arrangement that would keep Isak at St James’s Park.
Club directors Jamie Reuben and Jacobo Solis conducted discussions with Isak at his residence on Monday ahead of Newcastle’s clash with Liverpool, reports The Mirror. The objective was to explore a resolution that would bring Isak back into Newcastle’s first-team setup, as the Sweden international has been absent from the opening two matches of the campaign due to his strike action.
However, Isak made it abundantly clear that his position remains unchanged and he wishes to join Liverpool. Isak released a public statement last week in which he accused the club of “broken promises” and declared “the relationship can’t continue.” Despite Newcastle’s determined efforts to welcome Isak back into the squad, the situation appears destined to continue until the window closes.
It remains uncertain whether Newcastle will authorise a departure with limited time remaining to secure replacements in the transfer market. Newcastle are adamant that three conditions have to be met before they can consider sanctioning a sale: their valuation must be matched and two new players are signed.
They have been resolute throughout the summer in their stance not to sell, but this determination is likely to face another challenge before the window closes.
Newcastle have been pursuing Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, but have had two offers rejected, with the second one amounting to up to £40m. They have also seen a £50m offer for Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen rebuffed, with the Midlands club maintaining they will not sell and are keen to offer the Norway international a new contract.
