Alexander Isak ‘offered’ a £600,000-per-week deal amid Liverpool transfer speculation

Alexander Isak is thought to be contemplating an escape from Newcastle United during the summer transfer window.

According to reports, Al-Hilal has given Alexander Isak a tax-free salary of £600,000 per week. The forward has been the subject of many transfer rumour this summer, and it was claimed earlier this week that he has asked to consider leaving Newcastle United.

The Swedish international missed the Magpies’ pre-season tour of Asia owing to a minor thigh ailment, as stated by the club. Liverpool is preparing to make a British record offer for Isak, despite Newcastle’s refusal to sell and no official offers.

According to the Guardian, Al-Hilal, owned by Newcastle’s Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF), has made a large offer to Isak, who is reportedly seeking weekly salary of £300,000.

Al-Hilal has been connected with signing Darwin Nunez and Victor Osimhen this summer.

In a news conference on Friday, Eddie Howe stated that no contract talks have taken place with Isak, but he hopes to keep the striker at Newcastle.

He remarked, “Of course, things are happening behind the scenes. He will be aware that he is in the news every day, which I am sure is not easy for anyone in his situation.

Article continues below.

“Conversations between Alex and the club, or Alex and myself, will remain private for obvious reasons.” We have a really excellent relationship with him.

“He’s been amazing for us since he joined. He’s highly popular in the dressing room, and we’d like him to continue his career at Newcastle.”

Previously, he stated: “As far as I’m aware, I don’t believe any contract negotiations are currently underway. That could be for a later date.

“I think for now, with the situation as it is and the state of the window, in the sense that it’s hurtling towards the end of the window very quickly from our perspective, there’s still so much that could happen.”

Newcastle striker informs club he wants to explore other options

Alexander Isak missed Newcastle’s pre-season defeat to Celtic and will miss the club’s pre-season tour to Asia owing to a “minor thigh injury”; Liverpool had shown interest in Isak but then went on to the £79 million purchase of Hugo Ekitike.

Alexander Isak has advised Newcastle that he intends to explore his alternatives this transfer window.

There has been no official or formal transfer request to far, and while there have been discussions regarding a new deal at Newcastle in recent months, nothing has been agreed upon.

Isak has three years left on his current contract, so Newcastle is in a strong negotiation position and values the player at £150 million, although saying he is not for sale.

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe sent the Sweden striker home ahead of the club’s 4-0 pre-season defeat to Celtic last weekend due to transfer speculation following a Liverpool offer.

Isak was not included in the travel group to Singapore today, according to Newcastle, since he was left at home owing to a minor thigh ailment, and a long-haul journey would have hampered his rehabilitation.

However, the conjecture has contributed to Isak being left behind in Newcastle.

Liverpool reportedly made an informal approach for Isak before signing Hugo Ekitike, and the player is still highly regarded.

Chelsea is not in the running to sign Isak.

The Blues are completely confident in their strikers for the Premier League and Champions League next season.

What did Newcastle manager Howe say about Isak last week? Eddie Howe stated on Saturday that he is ‘sure’ Isak will continue at Newcastle.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, addressing after Alexander Isak was sent home from the squad ahead of the 4-0 loss to Celtic on Saturday:

“That was my decision. He accompanied us to Glasgow, but I decided to send him home due to the suspicion surrounding him.

“He didn’t want to sit in the stands and watch; it wasn’t fair to him. But I’m convinced he’ll be a Newcastle player by the conclusion of the window.

“We have a few players who are irreplaceable.” Your top players are extremely difficult to locate, attract, and develop.

“So, when you have them, you should treasure them. Of course, we are desperate to keep him on our team.

“I have had discussions with him, but that is not unusual. I respect a player’s career, no matter how brief it is. Alex has been excellent, he has been thoroughly taught, and I am aware that there will be noise surrounding him.”

Could Wissa replace Isak at Newcastle?

On Thursday, conversations are ongoing in Brentford regarding the future of Yoane Wissa, who is of interest to Newcastle.

The player wants to leave, but Brentford does not want to sell him after selling Bryan Mbeumo to Manchester United for £71 million.

Brentford’s valuation of Wissa has risen following Mbeumo’s sale, as losing both players is viewed as a risk.

Last season, the two combined to score 39 Premier League goals.

According to Sky Sports News, Brentford believes Wissa is worth at least £40 million.

Newcastle, who have been hoping to sign him for roughly £35 million, do not want to overpay for a guy who is now regarded as Isak’s number two striker.

Analysis: What will Newcastle do now?

Sky Sports News’ Keith Downie:

“Newcastle aimed to build throughout this window, bringing in four players. A goalie, a central defender, a right winger, and an additional forward.

“They brought in Anthony Elanga because they wanted a second striker to compete with Alexander Isak. They held conversations with Frankfurt over Hugo Ekitike, but Liverpool hijacked it and continues to be interested in Isak as well.

“It’s not what Newcastle fans want to hear ahead of a Champions League season in which they will compete on two fronts.” They want to keep their top players, and they don’t want to hear Isak’s head turning.

“Eddie Howe is a great man manager, but he’s going to have to do the best man management job of all time to get Isak in the right frame of mind for the season.”

“Reading between the lines, he’s been asked to consider his options, and his head has turned. He’s been left back in Newcastle for a variety of reasons, including an injury and interest.

Speaking before Isak’s wish to depart, Newcastle signing Anthony Elanga says he can’t wait to join up with his Sweden teammate at Newcastle, hailing him as one of the best strikers in the world.

“Isak is one of the top Premier League players, and he may be the best striker in the league. He believes he should be paid similarly to the top strikers, but he is not at Newcastle. If he went to a new club, whether Liverpool or elsewhere, he would be compensated in that manner.

“The club will have to make a decision here – does he get a pay increase? Do they allow him to speak at other clubs? Or do they give the problem time and space to settle down over the next few weeks?

“But if you ask me what happens now, either someone comes in and pays the £150 million Newcastle is looking for, or Isak signs a new contract for more money, or he simply gets his head back into being a Newcastle player and starts the season in a positive frame of mind.

But this is a tricky position. This was the last thing Eddie Howe and Newcastle fans wanted. Howe sounded fatigued following the Celtics game on Saturday. There is currently no sporting director, and they are looking for a new CEO.

“Eddie Howe and his nephew Andy have been at the forefront of Newcastle’s summer transfer strategy, and the club has suffered as a result. They tried for Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, and Dean Huijsen but were unable to secure any of them.

“Newcastle are still in advanced negotiations over a deal for Yoane Wissa, but he was meant to be the back-up to Isak, not their only striker.”