Alexander Isak Turns Down Newcastle Deal as Liverpool Target Eyes Exit Route

Alexander Isak has informed Newcastle United of his desire to pursue opportunities elsewhere this summer, according to recent reports.

The striker was excluded from the Magpies' pre-season preparations, with the club attributing his absence to a thigh problem, following observations of him training separately from his teammates earlier in the week.

Interest from Liverpool and Saudi club Al Hilal is thought to have influenced Isak's position, with the Daily Mail being first to report the forward's intention to depart Newcastle during the current transfer window.

While Newcastle are eager to secure Isak with fresh terms, The Times reports that he has rejected these overtures, even though the club is prepared to make him their highest-earning player ever. Negotiations have stalled, with Isak reportedly demanding £300,000 ($406,500) weekly wages while telling club executives he wants to weigh his alternatives.

Liverpool remain linked as potential buyers, with the Liverpool ECHO indicating a formal offer could materialize. However, the Reds would need to commit substantial funds just days following their £79 million ($107.1 million) acquisition of Hugo Ekitiké.

Any transaction involving Isak would probably need to exceed the British transfer record, currently held by the £116 million ($157.3 million) Liverpool spent on Florian Wirtz this summer. Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez have also arrived for a total of £69.6 million ($94.4 million).

Newcastle's determination to keep Isak could lead them to request up to £150 million ($203.4 million) to release their key striker.

Newcastle will persist in their efforts to negotiate fresh terms with Isak, though reports suggest the Magpies might consider allowing the 25-year-old to leave in summer 2026 if he commits to staying for the upcoming campaign.

With Isak's contract running until 2028, Newcastle face no urgent pressure to sell during this transfer window.