Five reasons why Alexander Isak will remain at Newcastle United

William Hill has established a market on which team Alexander Isak will start the season with, but a transfer from Newcastle United remains improbable.

Our expert analyzes William Hill’s market to determine which club Alexander Isak will be at when the transfer season ends on September 1.

Liverpool and Arsenal have been linked with a move for Newcastle United’s striker, but here are five reasons why he is more likely to remain at St James’ Park for the 2025-26 season.

Reds are a spent force in the transfer market.

Just over a week ago, William Hill made Alexander Isak the odds-on favourite to join Liverpool during the current transfer window, but that was before the Reds increased their interest in Eintracht Frankfurt attacker Hugo Ekitike.

Liverpool has since agreed to an initial £69 million contract for the France U21 striker, who had previously been linked with a move to Newcastle, and the Merseyside club is now 2/1 to sign Isak this summer.

The move for Ekitike, an out-and-out striker, clearly kills any possibility of Liverpool signing Isak, given that they have already spent £116 million on Florian Wirtz, over £30 million on Jeremie Frimpong, and £40 million on Milos Kerkez.

Arsenal are unlikely winners in the race for Isak.

Despite closing up on Ekitike, Liverpool remains the odds-on favourites to recruit Isak, with Arsenal the next Premier League team at 20/1.

The Gunners’ price has risen dramatically this summer, but it appears to be justified given that they are on the verge of acquiring a top-tier forward in Viktor Gyökeres.

Arsenal has made a feast out of bringing in only one striker, so the idea of them also going after Isak is simply absurd.

Timing makes Saudi switch unlikely.

The wildcard selection in the betting on Isak’s destination before September 2 is the ‘any Saudi club’ category at 7/2.

Al Hilal, in particular, has been associated with the Sweden forward, and there is no doubt that they have the finances to cover both a significant transfer price and the salaries Isak seeks.

While allegations have circulated that Isak has wanted a lucrative new contract with the Magpies, money can only go so far.

It is undoubtedly too early in the 25-year-old’s career to consider a move to the Saudi Pro League, which is often reserved for players who have already reached their Premier League potential.

Contract implies Newcastle holds the aces.

We’ve discussed why other clubs are unlikely to sign Isak, but there’s one significant reason Newcastle should be confident in keeping their top player.

Crucially, Isak’s current deal at St James’ Park continues until June 2028, putting the Magpies in a good position.

They don’t need to worry about Isak departing on a free transfer anytime soon, therefore they don’t even need to consider offers at this point.

This elevates Isak’s price tag, and in today’s climate of Financial Fair Play, few sides will be ready to pay that much money this summer.

Magpies can bring Isak the success he desires.

Finally, Isak should not feel compelled to leave Newcastle in a rush. Last season, the Magpies finished fifth in the Premier League and won the EFL Cup, their first major trophy since 1969, and they may look forward to Champions League football next season.

With Anthony Elanga joining a squad already including Joelinton and Bruno Guimarães, Newcastle’s chances of winning the Premier League at 28/1 are likely to increase. Isak will have ample supply lines this season.

The basic line is that other clubs can’t offer Isak much more than what he already has on Tyneside.

Alexander Isak – to sign by September 2, 2025 chances Liverpool at 2/1; any Saudi club at 7/2. Arsenal at 20/1. Real Madrid at 33/1. Barcelona at 33/1. Manchester City at 50/1. Manchester United at 50/1. PSG @ 50/1 Chelsea at 50/1.

Odds provided by William Hill. Correct at the time of publication; subject to change.