Alexander Isak set to turn down imminent transfer as he return to Newcastle United for pre-season training

Alexander Isak’s impending return to Newcastle’s pre-season training next month comes amid intensifying transfer speculation linking the Swedish striker with Liverpool.

The 25-year-old marksman, who withdrew from international duty with a recurring groin issue, remains central to Newcastle’s plans despite interest from Premier League rivals, prompting the Magpies to prepare a club-record contract offer to secure his long-term future.

Isak’s phenomenal 27-goal campaign propelled Newcastle to Champions League qualification and Carabao Cup glory, establishing him as one of Europe’s most coveted forwards.

Only Mohamed Salah outscored the Swedish international in the Premier League last season, a testament to his clinical finishing despite battling persistent fitness concerns.

Newcastle’s medical team now face the delicate task of managing his groin problem through a rigorous preseason while preparing for another demanding campaign on multiple fronts.

The Times reports Newcastle’s determination to make Isak their highest-paid player ever, shattering their current wage structure to ward off interest from Arsenal and newly-crowned champions Liverpool.

This bold move reflects both the striker’s importance to Eddie Howe’s project and the club’s desire to avoid another summer of uncertainty following last year’s Bruno Guimarães saga.

With three years remaining on his existing deal, Newcastle aim to eliminate any possibility of Isak entering contract limbo while reinforcing their stance that their star asset isn’t for sale.

Liverpool’s ambitious summer spending, including their British-record £116.5 million capture of Florian Wirtz, demonstrates their financial muscle to pursue Isak should they formalize their interest.

The Reds view the Newcastle talisman as a “dream signing” for new manager Arne Slot, creating a potential showdown between the clubs’ respective ambitions.

Newcastle’s quiet transfer window thus far – marked by a rejected £45 million bid for Anthony Elanga and ongoing pursuits of James Trafford and João Pedro – contrasts sharply with their rivals’ activity.

The potential departure of Callum Wilson as a free agent next week would leave only Isak and unproven William Osula as recognized strikers, intensifying the need for attacking reinforcements regardless of Isak’s future.

The iconic number nine shirt’s destiny adds another layer of intrigue to Newcastle’s summer narrative. While tradition suggests Isak as the natural heir should Wilson depart, the Swede’s attachment to his current number fourteen – worn by his idols Thierry Henry and David Ginola – may see the legendary digit passed to a new signing instead.

Isak himself acknowledged the dilemma on the Adopted Geordies podcast, stating: “I’ve been successful with 14…it would probably not be an easy decision.”

As preseason preparations loom, Newcastle face critical decisions that will shape their campaign. Securing Isak’s future represents their top priority, but the club must also address their striking depth and right-wing needs to compete effectively in Europe.

The coming weeks will reveal whether Newcastle can resist Liverpool’s advances and build around their Swedish talisman or face the unenviable task of replacing one of the Premier League’s most lethal forwards at short notice.

For Isak, the choice between becoming Newcastle’s highest-paid player ever or joining Liverpool’s title defense presents a career-defining crossroads.

His commitment to preseason training suggests focus remains on Tyneside for now, but in a summer where elite strikers command premium prices, Newcastle’s resolve may yet be tested like never before.