Transfer exclusive: Isak’s misgivings grow as Newcastle contract standoff

Alexander Isak is facing an uncertain few weeks as his future hangs in the balance, with little movement and a lot of stress behind the scenes.

Liverpool had targeted Newcastle United’s striker this summer, but instead chose to sign Hugo Ekitike.

Isak was approached about a £120 million deal. However, Newcastle’s attitude on maintaining its star forward caused talks to fall out.

Despite being open to a prospective move, Isak has never aggressively pursued an exit. Nonetheless, he is now caught in a difficult circumstance. No transfer opportunities have emerged, and Newcastle has so far failed to match his contract expectations.

At the heart of the problem is a considerable disparity between how Newcastle values him and how much they are willing to pay him.

They continue to estimate that Isak is valued between £125 million and £150 million in the current market. However, the Sweden international currently earns little more than £100,000 every week.

His team, conscious of his worth and the forward’s importance to the club, is said to be pressing for earnings of up to £300,000 per week to sign a new contract to stay on Tyneside.

According to sources, Newcastle is unwilling to spend more than £200,000 a week at this time.

Isak has a contract until 2028, and Newcastle are not under any hurry to sell. However, they are starting to consider attacking reinforcements again this window.

Ekitike and Joao Pedro were on their list before signing for Liverpool and Chelsea, respectively.

Brentford have already rejected a £25 million deal for Yoane Wissa, as they are hesitant to lose another important forward after moving Bryan Mbeumo to Manchester United. The team had promised new boss Keith Andrews that they wouldn’t lose both.

Newcastle are considering another bid for Wissa, but are also considering RB Leipzig’s Lois Openda as a potential replacement.

There is also rumors of Saudi interest in Isak. While the player is believed to be receptive to the possibility, Newcastle may see a move outside of the Premier League as more appealing than moving to a domestic rival. Still, their ideal scenario is to keep him for the following season.

For now, Isak is caught in the midst. There is no large offer on the table, no agreement on a new deal, and a club that regards him as elite while paying him below that level.

Something needs to give.

Alexander Isak has done something Newcastle United didn’t expect amid Liverpool interest

Newcastle United now know how much they need to pay Alexander Isak to retain him at St James’ Park for the long term.

Newcastle are steadfast in their decision not to sell the 25-year-old Isak, making his future a contentious topic.

Newcastle wants to extend Isak’s contract. Despite Newcastle’s desire to make Isak their highest-paid player, a new contract is unlikely due to Liverpool’s interest.

Alexander Isak of Newcastle United plays during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Everton at St. James’s Park in Newcastle, on May 25, 2025. (Photo by Scott Llewellyn | MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Alexander Isak’s wage demands become evident to Newcastle United.

Isak’s desired salary differs significantly from Newcastle United’s offer.

Graeme Bailey, a transfer expert, spoke with the Georgian Boot Boys about Alexander Isak’s contract predicament. The club was surprised to learn that the Sweden international expects to earn £300,000 per week at St James’ Park.

“It is obviously a lot,” he stated.

“It is on the higher end of what one would anticipate him to want. It’s a lot. Is this unreasonable? When dealing with a world-class player, you know you’re in the correct ballpark. Newcastle has a significant decision to make.

“Newcastle has been willing to go up to £200,000 per week. They are willing to change their salary structure, but I’m not sure if it will be sufficient.

“From what I’ve heard, Newcastle did not expect his demands to be that high. They were surprised, but that doesn’t mean they won’t pay him what he wants.

“Newcastle remain certain that he will not be sold. That is their viewpoint at this time.”

How far are Newcastle United from giving Alexander Isak what he wants?

Currently, Newcastle and Isak’s representatives appear to be £100,000-per-week away from reaching an agreement.

Newcastle are willing to make him their highest-paid player, but Isak has a strong preference for that position.

It poses a difficult decision for the Magpies, who want to keep their talisman on Tyneside.

A weekly deal of £200,000 would cost the club £10.4 million per year. In contrast, a £300,000-a-week contract would cost them £15.6 million per year. In that regard, Newcastle are £5.2 million away from reaching an agreement.

Obviously, it is not as simple as that. The hope is that a compromise can be found as Newcastle attempts to sign one of the world’s finest attackers.

Newcastle United Can Forget Hugo Ekitike Snub as Randal Kolo Muani Emerges as Shock £34m Alternative to Stun Manchester United

Newcastle United may have been dealt a setback in their pursuit of Hugo Ekitike, but the club could now be on the verge of something even more exciting. With reports suggesting Paris Saint-Germain are ready to offload Randal Kolo Muani in a cut-price deal, Newcastle are now eyeing the explosive forward as a potential game-changer in their summer plans — and in a twist that could also frustrate long-time admirers Manchester United.

The Magpies were previously frustrated in their chase for Ekitike, who chose to head to the French capital instead of Tyneside during an earlier transfer window. However, that rejection might have turned into a blessing in disguise. Ekitike has struggled to find regular minutes in Paris and hasn’t developed in the way many predicted. In contrast, Kolo Muani offers power, pace, versatility — and most importantly — availability.

After a turbulent season at PSG where expectations weighed heavy and goals came sparingly, the French club is now open to parting with the forward. The fact that Newcastle could land a proven international attacker for a reduced fee makes the opportunity too good to ignore. His price tag, reportedly far lower than previous valuations, has put several Premier League clubs on alert.

Manchester United had previously shown strong interest in Kolo Muani, especially during their search for attacking reinforcements last season. However, budget constraints and ongoing squad reshuffling may slow their pursuit this summer. That opens the door for Newcastle to swoop in and make a decisive move before others act.

Eddie Howe has made no secret of his desire to add firepower to his frontline. With Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson both enduring spells of injury, depth has become a priority. Kolo Muani fits the profile: young but experienced, strong but quick, and comfortable playing across multiple forward roles. He can slot in as a central striker or out wide, offering tactical flexibility.

For Newcastle, the timing could not be better. The club is preparing for a season with increased expectations. Whether it’s pushing for a top-four finish or competing in Europe, the need for squad depth and top-tier quality is more pressing than ever. Kolo Muani represents both ambition and value — a rare combination in today’s inflated market.

Despite the quiet transfer start, Newcastle have remained strategic. Instead of rushing into high-profile deals, they’ve monitored situations and waited for the right opportunities. Kolo Muani’s availability could be one such chance. If a deal is struck, it may be viewed as a masterstroke — especially if he settles quickly into Premier League life.

The player himself is reportedly open to a fresh start. After a challenging campaign in Ligue 1, Kolo Muani is said to be eager for more consistent minutes and a clear role under a manager who believes in him. Eddie Howe’s track record of developing players and fostering team chemistry could prove crucial in winning the forward’s trust.

A move to Newcastle also provides a platform with less of the chaos that often surrounds bigger European clubs. The project at St. James’ Park is stable, growing, and fan-driven. That environment might be exactly what Kolo Muani needs to rediscover the form that made him one of Europe’s most talked-about forwards during his Eintracht Frankfurt days.

Fans on Tyneside are already buzzing at the prospect. Social media has erupted with speculation, and some supporters are even suggesting that Kolo Muani could become the club’s best forward signing in years. His mix of flair and directness would bring a new edge to Newcastle’s attack.

From a commercial standpoint, signing a French international would also enhance Newcastle’s appeal on the global stage. The club is looking to strengthen its brand internationally, and high-caliber signings with World Cup experience help elevate the image of the team across European and global markets.

For PSG, offloading Kolo Muani would allow them to free up space for other arrivals. The French giants are in the midst of a rebuild, and selling players who are not central to their plans is part of the strategy. Newcastle could benefit from that internal shift.

As for Manchester United, missing out on Kolo Muani would be another blow in a summer of uncertainty. With their own transfer priorities tied to exits and financial balancing, the Red Devils might not be able to match Newcastle’s decisiveness or appeal in this particular race.

Should Newcastle act quickly, they could secure one of the most intriguing signings of the summer. And with Kolo Muani hungry to prove himself again, the motivation on both sides would be sky-high. For a team looking to make another leap forward, this could be a perfect match.

As negotiations continue, fans will watch closely to see if Newcastle can finalize the move. A fresh face, an elite talent, and a chance to strike before rivals do — this is a moment Newcastle cannot afford to let pass.

While Ekitike is now in the rearview mirror, Kolo Muani could be the future. And if Newcastle do seal the deal, they may not just forget the snub — they might end up with the better player after all.