Alexander Isak ‘issues ultimatum to Newcastle’ as Liverpool offered fresh hope of deal

Alexander Isak has reportedly made it clear that he wants Newcastle United to significantly raise their wage ceiling if they expect him to sign a new long-term contract at St James’ Park.

Despite rejecting all overtures from Liverpool and reaffirming that the Swedish forward is not for sale, the Magpies remain without a renewed deal that secures his future.

Isak, a cornerstone of Eddie Howe’s project, continues to draw serious attention from top clubs, and his current stance has sparked concern within the club’s hierarchy.

Liverpool initially made a substantial £120 million inquiry for Isak, but Newcastle swiftly turned it down. In response, the Merseyside club shifted focus to Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, who is expected to arrive in England to complete a £79 million transfer.

However, there is no indication that Liverpool’s pursuit of Ekitike has ended their interest in Isak. The Swedish striker remains one of the most coveted players in Europe, and any hesitation from Newcastle could leave the door open for rivals to test their resolve again.

According to TalkSPORT, Isak has issued what many interpret as a firm ultimatum: a new contract worth £300,000 per week or the club risks losing him.

If Newcastle were to meet that demand, it would represent a significant shift in their financial policy, potentially setting a precedent that disrupts their carefully balanced wage structure.

The club is determined to keep their star forward amid interest not only from Liverpool but also from clubs in the Saudi Pro League, who could easily match or exceed those wage demands.

Isak still has three years left on his current contract, signed after his £59 million move from Real Sociedad in 2022. Since then, his value and importance to the team have only grown.

His performances in the Premier League have positioned him as one of the most talented young strikers in Europe, making him a top target for clubs with deeper financial resources.

Newcastle understand what he brings to the squad and the message his potential departure would send. As a result, they face a difficult decision: either stretch their financial model to accommodate his demands or risk unsettling one of their most prized assets.

In the build-up to their recent friendly against Celtic, Eddie Howe made the decision to send Isak home instead of having him watch from the stands.

The forward had traveled with the team to Glasgow but did not feature in the squad. Howe later explained that the mounting speculation around the striker’s future influenced the decision, saying it wouldn’t be fair to have him sit through the match amid the uncertainty.

He emphasized that it was a move designed to protect the player from unnecessary scrutiny and expressed confidence that Isak would remain a Newcastle player beyond the transfer window.

With the pre-season tour to Singapore and South Korea looming, Isak is expected to rejoin the squad, but the situation surrounding his contract could dictate much of the club’s transfer strategy.

Newcastle find themselves at a crossroads, balancing ambition and sustainability. Whether they choose to reward Isak with a contract that reflects his growing stature or maintain their current wage discipline, their decision will likely have long-term implications on the direction of the club.