Newcastle United and Liverpool are set to clash at St. James’ Park in just six days, but the ongoing transfer saga involving Alexander Isak continues to overshadow events on Tyneside. The Swedish forward has not played for the Magpies since the final day of last season, as speculation around his future grows stronger.
Liverpool saw their opening bid for Isak rejected earlier this summer. That offer, worth around £110 million, was deemed far below Newcastle’s valuation, with the club standing firm that their star striker is not for sale.
Isak is not expected to feature against Liverpool on Monday, though manager Eddie Howe admitted the opportunity for him to return still exists. “Nothing has changed, but the door remains open,” Howe explained. “It’s ultimately down to him to decide what he wants. We all want clarity—myself, the owners, and the players—because uncertainty isn’t healthy in a Premier League season that’s already challenging enough. We need focus, not distractions. But this isn’t in my control; it’s in his.”
That sentiment of “nothing’s changed” neatly sums up Newcastle’s official stance, as Isak still has three years left on his deal. Despite noise from Merseyside and beyond, unless Liverpool raise their offer significantly, Newcastle insist the striker won’t be leaving this summer.
However, Fabrizio Romano reports a very different side of the story. According to the transfer expert, Isak has made it abundantly clear he sees no future at St. James’ Park and has repeated his desire to join Liverpool. “Newcastle once again received a strong message from the player,” Romano revealed. “In recent weeks they’ve asked him several times if there’s any way to continue together. They even offered him a new contract on record wages, including a release clause for 2026—but Isak’s response remains the same: no chance.”
Sources close to the Swede insist his stance is unchanged: he only wants Liverpool. Romano further noted that Newcastle are now looking at potential replacements, with Brentford’s Yoane Wissa among the names being considered.