Newcastle Face Crucial Decision: Is Selling Star Striker Alexander Isak to Liverpool Worth the Risk?
The Alexander Isak transfer situation has experienced numerous developments throughout the summer, with the most recent chapter witnessing a public dispute between the Swedish striker and Newcastle United.
Isak's unexpected public declaration has introduced fresh complexity to an ongoing standoff, as the forward claims Newcastle has failed to honor commitments made during earlier discussions about his career prospects. Predictably, the Magpies have dismissed these allegations, with reports suggesting that Isak's public comments have actually damaged his prospects of securing a move to his preferred destination Liverpool this summer.
Newcastle faces a challenging predicament as the transfer window enters its final week, particularly given reports that Isak has vowed never to represent the club again, forcing the Magpies to reassess their strategy amid substantial interest from the reigning Premier League champions.
Therefore, would it be wise for Newcastle to offload Isak to Liverpool before the deadline? Below are the advantages and disadvantages of this potential transfer for the Magpies.
Pro: A Massive Transfer Sum
Newcastle has already turned down a £110 million ($148.2 million) bid from Liverpool for Isak and maintains their £150 million asking price for the striker. Should the Magpies accept an offer somewhere between these amounts, they would still secure a Premier League record transfer fee and more than double their 2022 investment in the Real Sociedad player.
Naturally, Newcastle aims to maximize returns on their valuable asset, but given current circumstances, they may not have the luxury of taking a rigid stance. Liverpool has demonstrated serious intent by submitting such a substantial offer, and the Reds would likely consider increasing their initial proposal.
With Isak adamant about never representing Newcastle again, a fee around £130 million cannot be easily dismissed. Such a substantial amount would enable significant squad investment, including acquiring at least two quality strikers to replace both Isak and Callum Wilson.
Con: Parting with Elite Quality
"We want to keep our best players," Newcastle stated in response to Isak's surprising announcement. This sentiment likely represents the core issue for a team striving to break into the traditional 'big six' and establish themselves among England's elite clubs. Achieving such ambitious goals requires retaining top-tier talent.
Isak ranks among the globe's most promising and lethal strikers. He has scored 52 goals over his last two seasons with the Magpies and recently earned selection to the 2025 PFA Premier League Team of the Year following another outstanding campaign. At 25, he possesses significant room for further development.
It's logical that Newcastle, having secured Champions League qualification in two of the past three seasons and defeated Liverpool in last season's Carabao Cup final, wishes to construct their future around Isak and similar caliber players. The Magpies no longer consider themselves a selling club.
Pro: Resolving the Uncertainty
While the Isak situation may have provided entertainment for neutral observers, it has been an exhausting and exasperating period for Newcastle. The unresolved nature of this matter will be torturous for Newcastle supporters, as the club cannot properly strategize for the current season and beyond.
Fulfilling Isak's desires in return for a substantial fee would enable Newcastle to progress and reorganize effectively. They must approach the new campaign while managing Premier League duties, Champions League commitments, and defending their Carabao Cup title, making ongoing speculation about Isak's future the last thing they need—which will persist if the Swedish international remains, regardless of whether he refuses to play.
Transferring Isak would conclude this saga and provide Newcastle with resolution. A swift conclusion would also permit reinvestment in the transfer market before the September 1 deadline, with time becoming increasingly critical for the Magpies.
Con: Empowering a Competitor
While Newcastle may not directly challenge Liverpool for this season's Premier League title, their ultimate goal is reaching the pinnacle in the coming years. Losing their star striker would significantly weaken them while simultaneously strengthening the Reds, who could benefit from Isak's excellence for the next five to ten years.
Hypothetically selling Isak to Real Madrid or Barcelona would be far more palatable for both the club and supporters, who will dread facing Liverpool if the towering striker eventually secures his Anfield move. If Newcastle aspires to become England's premier club, they cannot afford to sell to direct rivals.