Alexander Isak pictured in Newcastle United kit as transfer talks continue amid Liverpool interest and reported PIF delegation visit – Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images
Credit: Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images
Newcastle Hold Crisis Talks with Wantaway Isak as Liverpool Prepare Club-Record Bid
Newcastle’s co-owners and Saudi Public Investment Fund delegation held critical discussions at Alexander Isak’s home as the Swedish striker’s future hangs in the balance, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirming Liverpool are expected to increase their offer beyond £130 million after their initial £110 million bid was rejected. The high-level intervention comes as Isak has publicly declared his intention to leave Newcastle this summer, citing broken “promises” from the club in an Instagram statement confirming the relationship “can’t continue.”
Newcastle officially maintains that “Alex remains under contract and no commitment has been made by any club official that Alex can leave this summer,” directly contradicting Isak’s public stance about his departure rights. The striker has been effectively sidelined from Newcastle’s first team and training sessions since the season ended, with head coach Eddie Howe expressing hope to see him return to the squad while acknowledging the situation is “far from ideal.”
Romano’s latest update indicates Liverpool “will attack for Isak” financially, but emphasizes that any deal “depends on Newcastle,” highlighting the ongoing negotiation stalemate despite Liverpool’s commitment to securing the striker. The Reds are reportedly prepared to pay a record-breaking fee to meet Newcastle’s valuation, though no official offer beyond the rejected £110 million bid has been confirmed, leaving the exact figures of any improved proposal unknown.
The transfer saga intensifies with Liverpool and Newcastle set to face each other on Monday Night Football, adding public spotlight and urgency to Isak’s future decisions. Jamie Carragher has publicly suggested Newcastle should sell the striker before the transfer window closes, while Newcastle’s ownership remains actively involved in negotiations, aiming to either retain their star asset or maximize transfer value through the PIF delegation’s direct involvement.
Isak could potentially exercise a unilateral contract breach clause within 15 days after the 2025-26 season ends, complicating Newcastle’s negotiation position as they reportedly want him to return to training after Monday’s game. However, no confirmed timeline exists for whether the striker will stay or leave before the transfer deadline, with specific contractual terms and the nature of the “promises” Isak references remaining undisclosed, leaving his participation in Newcastle’s upcoming season entirely uncertain.
