Alexander Isak ‘upset’ as Newcastle refuse £120m Liverpool transfer talks

Alexander Isak’s future at Newcastle United has been shrouded in uncertainty, with reports suggesting the Swedish striker is growing increasingly frustrated behind the scenes.

Despite being one of the Premier League’s most consistent forwards, he now finds himself in a complicated situation, as contract negotiations have stalled and elite clubs circle in the background.

Liverpool, in particular, have made their interest known, testing Newcastle’s resolve with a bold approach worth £120 million — a fee that would smash the British transfer record.

Yet, Newcastle’s board has remained firm, refusing to entertain any discussions about a sale and showing their full commitment to Eddie Howe’s vision for the club.

Since arriving from Real Sociedad in a deal worth £63 million in January 2023, Isak has quickly evolved into a talismanic figure on Tyneside. He wasted no time making an impact, scoring 10 goals in just half a season, and has continued that form by delivering back-to-back 20-goal campaigns in the Premier League.

Only Mohamed Salah outscored him last season, a testament to his quality and consistency. It’s no surprise then that top clubs across Europe are watching his situation closely, though Liverpool remain the only club to have submitted a concrete inquiry so far.

That pursuit didn’t last long, with Newcastle immediately rejecting the proposal and making it clear Isak is not for sale.

Although the striker has not indicated any intention of forcing an exit, it’s believed he’s unhappy with how the club has handled his contract situation.

At 25 years old, Isak still has three years remaining on his current deal, but frustration has grown due to a lack of progress on a new offer. His representatives were reportedly given assurances last year that his £130,000-a-week salary would be reviewed and increased — promises that remain unfulfilled.

Newcastle are willing to break their wage structure to reward him, with a proposed offer that would see him earn over £200,000 a week, making him the club’s highest-paid player in history.

However, even that gesture hasn’t been enough to secure a new agreement, and doubts remain over whether the striker will commit his long-term future to the club amid continued silence from the boardroom.

As Newcastle wrestle with the situation surrounding their star forward, they’ve also had to confront setbacks in the transfer market.

A potential deal for Hugo Ekitike fell through after the club walked away from negotiations, allowing Liverpool to step ahead in the race for the French striker.

Forced to look elsewhere, Newcastle turned their attention to Yoane Wissa of Brentford, but that pursuit also appears complicated. Manchester United are on the verge of signing Bryan Mbeumo, and Brentford are unlikely to allow both attackers to leave in the same window.

That leaves Newcastle’s attacking reinforcements hanging in the balance — a scenario that adds further pressure to resolve Isak’s future quickly and decisively.

So far, Newcastle’s only senior addition since the season ended has been Anthony Elanga, a move that reflects Howe’s desire for swift and proactive business in the transfer window.

The manager had been vocal about the need for urgency in recruitment, warning that quality players rarely stay available for long. His message was clear: the club must be bold and efficient in the market to continue their upward momentum.

Yet, with frustrations mounting over stalled negotiations, missed transfer targets, and questions surrounding their marquee striker, Newcastle’s summer hasn’t gone quite according to plan.

Despite these challenges, the club remains ambitious. Isak’s presence is central to those ambitions, and keeping him content is now a priority.

The longer contract talks drag on without resolution, the more vulnerable Newcastle become to further interest from Europe’s elite. And while the club has shown its refusal to sell, financial incentives elsewhere and promises unkept can quickly sway even the most loyal professionals.

Newcastle know what they have in Isak — a rare talent with the ability to lead the line at the highest level. The question now is whether they can match that talent with the commitment and clarity he deserves.