Newcastle brace for Isak decision as Al Hilal push hard

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.

Liverpool showed interest but pulled out

Liverpool made the first serious move for Alexander Isak during the summer transfer window. However, according to Fabrizio Romano and The Athletic, Newcastle United immediately rejected any offers below £120 million. Romano also reported that the club had no intention of selling their Swedish star and instead aimed to secure him on a new long-term deal.

Following this stance, Liverpool changed course. Under the new management of Arne Slot, the reigning Premier League champions turned to Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitiké. As reported by The Athletic and Romano, the total cost of the deal could reach €95 million including bonuses.

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.

However, Newcastle’s refusal to entertain offers below their valuation left Liverpool with little room to negotiate. This paved the way for the club’s alternative plan: Hugo Ekitiké. With a similar physical profile and a strong fit for transition football, Ekitiké emerged as a viable candidate to slot into Slot’s attacking setup.

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.

New contract plan amid financial constraints

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 view Alexander Isak as a long-term cornerstone of the squad and are firmly against selling him.

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.

Especially as L’Équipe highlighted, Al Hilal’s willingness to break financial barriers could force Newcastle into a difficult decision.

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

Still only 25, Alexander Isak is one of the few strikers who fully embodies the modern centre-forward role. Despite standing at 192 cm, he has excellent ball control, agility in tight spaces, and the ability to dominate defenders one-on-one. He breaks away from the traditional target-man mould with his capacity to hold up play and create chances independently.

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.