Exclusive: Isak’s latest contract demand has left Newcastle in shock

Alexander Isak’s ongoing contract negotiations have sent shockwaves through Newcastle United, as the Swedish striker is reportedly demanding a weekly salary in the region of £300,000.

This demand has left the club stunned, particularly considering their current wage structure and long-standing financial philosophy.

Conversations regarding a new deal for Isak began earlier this summer, with the Magpies fully aware that their star forward is operating on a contract that no longer reflects his importance or growing stature within the team. Despite that, the figures being discussed now are far beyond what the club had anticipated.

At present, Bruno Guimarães stands as Newcastle’s highest earner, reportedly making slightly over £150,000 per week.

The club had been prepared to offer Isak a new contract that would break that ceiling and place him among the highest-paid players in their history, aiming for a package closer to £200,000 per week.

However, sources close to the situation suggest that Isak’s latest request has pushed those discussions into uncomfortable territory, with Newcastle hesitating to stretch their wage bill to such unprecedented levels.

Isak’s desire to renegotiate his contract is not new. Talks over an extension were initially shelved last year when Anthony Gordon was awarded a new deal, a decision that reportedly did not sit well with Isak’s camp.

The striker and his representatives have since remained open to fresh discussions but have been firm in their belief that he deserves to be recognised as one of Europe’s top forwards.

The forward’s current contract runs until 2028, giving Newcastle some leverage, but the player’s rising profile has prompted renewed urgency to secure his long-term commitment under terms reflective of his elite status.

Earlier this month, Liverpool expressed interest in signing the 25-year-old and made a formal approach. Although Newcastle swiftly rejected that, the mere fact that Isak is attracting attention from such heavyweight clubs underscores his growing value in the transfer market.

Liverpool have since moved on to finalize a deal for Hugo Ekitike, reducing immediate pressure on them to pursue Isak further. Even so, the Merseyside club have not closed the door entirely on the Swede, leaving Newcastle in a delicate position as they try to hold firm.

Elsewhere, Arsenal were also credited with an interest in Isak earlier in the transfer window. However, they appear to have cooled on the idea, partly due to competition from other clubs and also because of the striker’s price tag.

The Gunners have since turned their attention to Viktor Gyokeres, who they see as a more attainable and strategically viable option.

Meanwhile, clubs in the Saudi Pro League have also expressed strong interest in bringing Isak to the Middle East.

Despite their willingness to offer massive wages and an appealing lifestyle, the Swedish forward has no interest in moving to Saudi Arabia at this stage of his career, as he remains focused on competing at the highest levels of European football.

While the gap between Isak’s contract demands and what Newcastle are willing to offer remains substantial, insiders confirm that the club has no intention of selling their prized striker this summer.

Eddie Howe and the club’s leadership view Isak as an essential piece of their project and are committed to building a team around him.

To that end, Newcastle are actively working on finding a suitable strike partner who can share the burden or provide rotation throughout the season.

The departure of Callum Wilson has left a clear void in the number nine role, and Newcastle are determined to fill that gap quickly. One of their key targets is Brentford’s Yoane Wissa.

Talks have already begun between the two clubs, and although Brentford are asking for £50 million, there is growing belief that a deal can be struck for closer to £40 million.

Wissa is seen as a versatile forward capable of complementing Isak’s playing style or leading the line when necessary, which makes him an ideal candidate in Newcastle’s eyes.

As it stands, Newcastle face a critical decision. They must weigh the value of holding onto a player like Isak, who is arguably in the prime of his career and growing into one of Europe’s most sought-after forwards, against the financial implications of meeting his wage expectations.

The negotiations are far from over, and the outcome could shape the trajectory of the club’s ambitions for years to come. Whether Newcastle decide to break their pay ceiling or stick to their current structure, it is clear that the saga around Alexander Isak’s future will remain one of the defining stories of their summer.