Sources: Update emerges on Alexander Isak’s future this afternoon

Newcastle United have made it clear that Alexander Isak is not for sale this summer, despite growing interest from top clubs such as Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Barcelona.

The 25-year-old Swedish striker, who has been in scintillating form this season, is under contract at St James’ Park until 2028, and the Magpies are in a strong position to resist any potential offers.

While suitors are circling, Newcastle’s improved financial situation means they are under no pressure to sell their star player, and the club’s hierarchy has firmly stated their intention to retain Isak as a cornerstone of their ambitious project.

Darren Eales, Newcastle’s outgoing chief executive officer, recently addressed the speculation surrounding Isak, dismissing the idea of a sale as “crazy.”

Eales emphasized that the club’s key players, including Isak, Bruno Guimarães, and Anthony Gordon, are committed to Newcastle and are not being actively shopped. “The reality is that all of our players are under long-term deals,” Eales told the media.

“They are committed to the club. So, from that perspective, we are not looking to move any player on. We’ve got that wish and desire to keep our key players, and we’re not under the gun [to sell] or anything like that. We have an ownership that is ambitious and wants the best for the club. So, from that perspective, it’d be crazy for us to consider it.”

Newcastle’s financial position has significantly improved compared to 12 months ago, when they were forced to sell players like Yankuba Minteh and Elliot Anderson to comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

The club reported losses of £11.1 million for the financial year ending June 2024, a dramatic reduction from the £71.8 million loss in the previous year. This healthier financial standing means Newcastle do not need to offload Isak or other key players to balance the books, giving them a strong negotiating position in the transfer market.

Isak’s performances this season have only reinforced his importance to the team. The Swedish international has scored 19 goals and provided five assists in 24 Premier League appearances, with an expected goals (xG) tally of 15.1.

His ability to consistently deliver in front of goal has made him one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe. Since joining Newcastle from Real Sociedad in 2022 for a club-record fee of €70 million, Isak has netted 57 goals in 98 appearances, proving to be a transformative signing for the Magpies.

Despite Newcastle’s firm stance, clubs like Arsenal and Liverpool remain keen on Isak, viewing him as a dream target to bolster their attacking options. However, both clubs are also exploring alternative options, recognizing that prying Isak away from St James’ Park would require a monumental bid.

Sources suggest that Newcastle would demand a fee exceeding the British transfer record of £115 million, which Chelsea paid for Moises Caicedo in 2023, with some estimates placing Isak’s valuation at over £150 million.

Arsenal have identified RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko as a potential alternative to Isak. The Slovenian striker, who has a release clause of €70 million, is expected to leave Leipzig this summer.

Arsenal are optimistic about securing Sesko, having laid the groundwork for a move during the January transfer window. Liverpool, meanwhile, are also considering Brighton’s João Pedro as a more viable option, particularly if Darwin Núñez departs for Saudi Arabia.

Both clubs are in the early stages of drawing up shortlists and analyzing data on multiple targets, with Isak remaining a high-priority but challenging pursuit.

Barcelona, another club monitoring Isak, are in the market for a long-term successor to Robert Lewandowski. While they have explored options like Sesko and Lille’s Jonathan David, a move for Isak appears unlikely unless Newcastle unexpectedly soften their stance.

The Spanish giants have been informed that any deal for Isak would require a fee well in excess of €100 million, a figure that complicates their pursuit.

Newcastle’s strong negotiating position, coupled with Isak’s contentment at the club, makes a summer departure highly unlikely. The striker is well-compensated and thriving under Eddie Howe’s management, with no indication that he is agitating for a move.

While suitors may test Newcastle’s resolve, the Magpies are under no obligation to engage in negotiations or even quote a price for their star player. With Isak’s contract running until 2028 and the club’s financial situation stabilizing, Newcastle can afford to hold firm and continue building their project around one of the Premier League’s most lethal forwards.

As the summer transfer window approaches, the striker market is heating up, with several top clubs vying for elite talent. However, Newcastle’s determination to retain Isak, combined with their improved financial health, ensures that they hold all the cards in this high-stakes saga.

For now, Isak remains a Magpie, and Newcastle fans can rest assured that their star man is staying put.