Alexander Isak's Agent Reveals Shocking Transfer Plans Following Liverpool's Bold Approach
The representative of Newcastle United forward Alexander Isak has indicated that a choice regarding the Swedish player's future destination may be "imminent".
Isak has delivered three outstanding campaigns at Newcastle, accumulating 54 strikes in 86 Premier League appearances, and has become the center of considerable transfer rumors. Though Barcelona are consistently mentioned as ambitious, future admirers, Liverpool initiated contact this summer with an inquiry for Isak that was ultimately rejected and led to the acquisition of Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitiké as an alternative.
Media reports have also identified Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal as a possible landing spot for Isak. L'Équipe reported on Monday that the 25-year-old has shown openness to the Middle East and discussions between both sides have been progressing for multiple days.
Saudi publication Arriyadiyah contacted one of Isak's agents, Gonzalo Gaitan, who provided an enigmatic statement regarding the current rumors.
"We are currently examining and evaluating all possibilities, and we might be near to determining the player's next move," Gaitan was quoted as stating.
Obviously, Gaitan's remarks can be understood in multiple ways. Various opportunities exist for Isak, who is anticipated to receive a contract extension offer from Newcastle this summer, so the "next move" might not necessarily indicate a departure.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe expressed optimism in his recent forecast that Isak will stay at Newcastle past the summer, though he acknowledged that complete certainty about such matters is never possible.
With Liverpool completing a transaction for Ekitiké valued at approximately €95 million (£82.3 million, $110.5 million), the Reds seem to have withdrawn from pursuing Isak this summer, while Newcastle's substantial asking price of minimum £120 million ($161 million) significantly reduces the pool of clubs able to finance such an investment.