Newcastle face deepening Isak dilemma as Liverpool prepare record bid after Díaz exit

Isak tensions escalate as internal split emerges at Newcastle

As Newcastle United approach a pivotal moment in the summer transfer window, the Alexander Isak situation has caused a clear rift within the club. According to the Daily Mail, some senior figures are adamant that the Swedish striker must be retained at all costs, while others believe the club should consider selling if an astronomical offer arrives. This division is reportedly impacting Newcastle’s pre-season planning directly.

Earlier this month, when reports emerged via Fabrizio Romano and The Athletic that Liverpool were preparing a bid worth around £120 million, Newcastle swiftly denied the claims and stated unequivocally that Isak was not for sale. In response, Liverpool shifted their focus and eventually signed Hugo Ekitiké. However, within weeks, the entire dynamic appears to have changed.

Contract rejection and squad omission: clear signs of an exit

What started as agent-driven whispers has now turned into concrete developments. According to The Athletic and Fabrizio Romano, Isak has turned down Newcastle’s latest contract proposal. The Daily Mail also reported that the striker was left out of the second leg of the club’s Asia tour, a move that only intensified speculation around his future. Manager Eddie Howe acknowledged his absence and described the situation as “a difficult transfer window,” a comment viewed by many as a reflection of the unrest within the club.

These developments have created renewed momentum for Liverpool to revisit the situation. Newcastle are now locked in internal debate over how to respond should a formal offer arrive, with no unified stance among board members.

Luis Díaz sale opens the door for Liverpool

Liverpool’s intentions are becoming clearer. According to The Athletic, Colombian winger Luis Díaz is nearing a move to Bayern Munich, a deal expected to bring in around £65 million. The sale would not only open up space in the squad but also inject fresh financial muscle, potentially paving the way for Liverpool to reignite their pursuit of Isak.

After splashing £116 million on Florian Wirtz just weeks ago, one of the most expensive transfers in English football history, Liverpool have shown they’re not afraid to go big again. Newcastle’s valuation of Isak, believed to be around £150 million according to both the Daily Mail and The Times, is not seen as a prohibitive obstacle. As The Athletic and Daily Mail note, the club remains committed to strengthening the squad in line with Arne Slot’s vision.

One of the season’s standout performers: Isak hits top gear

Alexander Isak was a dominant force for Newcastle United in the 2024/25 season, scoring 27 goals and providing 6 assists across 42 official matches. With 23 of those goals coming in the Premier League, he finished second in the Golden Boot race behind Mohamed Salah.

Fits Slot’s system, but Newcastle stood firm

Arne Slot’s tactical setup at Liverpool requires a high-intensity forward capable of vertical runs, attacking the space behind the defence, and pressing off the ball. In a 4-2-3-1 system, the striker is not just a finisher but also a disruptor of defensive lines and a key transition player. Alexander Isak’s physical and technical attributes align perfectly with this profile. His pace, instinctive movement, and positional awareness in the box made him a potential ideal fit for Slot’s vision.

Newcastle’s board is preparing a new contract offer to retain their star forward. According to Fabrizio Romano and The Athletic, this plan is among the club’s top priorities. Additionally, The Times reports that Newcastle see Alexander Isak as central to their long-term sporting project and remain firmly opposed to a sale.

However, the club’s financial reality cannot be ignored. As The Athletic noted, the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) limit Newcastle’s room for manoeuvre. In other words, the club may not be in a position to outright reject astronomically high bids.

Al Hilal emerge: Gulf option on the table

French outlet L’Équipe reported that Al Hilal have initiated direct talks with Isak and that the player is open to the idea of moving to the Gulf. The Saudi club has raised its summer transfer budget in excess of €200 million and is actively targeting young, high-value profiles from Europe. Isak fits that bill perfectly.

Saudi newspaper Arriyadiyah reached out to the player’s representative Gonzalo Gaitan, who made a notable statement:

“We are carefully evaluating all options. A decision regarding the player’s next step could be close.”

While this does not confirm a transfer, it indicates a pivotal moment in internal planning for the player’s future.

Isak’s playing style: definition of a modern No. 9

Still only 25, Alexander Isak is one of the rare strikers who fully embodies the modern centre-forward role. Standing at 6 foot 3, he combines excellent ball control with agility in tight spaces and can dominate defenders one-on-one.

His composure in the box and clinical finishing make him one of the most valuable forwards in the Premier League. Beyond goals, his dribbling ability, ball retention, and positional intelligence have turned him into the focal point of Newcastle’s attacking system. Manager Eddie Howe sees him as a trusted figure and a key tactical asset. His football IQ and physical tools bring to life the very concept of the “modern No. 9.”

A decision that could shift the Premier League balance

Alexander Isak’s decision this summer could have a ripple effect beyond his personal career. Staying at Newcastle would send a powerful message regarding the club’s European ambitions, while a departure could disrupt their attacking structure entirely.

Isak has played a pivotal role in Newcastle’s rise over the past two seasons. Replacing him would represent a major challenge not just for the coaching staff but also for the club’s hierarchy. His future remains one of the defining storylines of the transfer window.

Newcastle’s summer hinges on Isak

This summer, everything at Newcastle revolves around Alexander Isak. The club faces a decision that could reshape both its footballing path and financial outlook. If he stays, it would be a powerful statement about their European aspirations. If he leaves, Newcastle’s internal balance, not just their squad structure, will require rethinking. This is more than a transfer story. It could mark a turning point for the Premier League.