Newcastle want to keep Isak, but if he waits another year, the doors to Europe’s elite may shut completely, writes Dylan Johnson.
Alexander Isak’s future is approaching a critical juncture. Newcastle United remain firm that their record signing is not for sale, but interest from Liverpool has tested that stance. The Premier League champions are ready to offer £120 million, as they consider Isak a potential replacement for Darwin Nunez.
Newcastle’s refusal to negotiate is understandable. Isak is one of the Premier League’s most effective forwards and a central figure in their Champions League return. He is quick, composed, and technically excellent. His ability to combine athleticism with subtle movement and sharp finishing has made him one of the most coveted No 9s in Europe.
🎖️| @David_Ornstein on Isak: “You sense that Liverpool would only make an approach like this if they was some level of encouragement wherever that may be from. I don’t think they would just randomly go for it. And they have indeed made that approach…” pic.twitter.com/TMJXbwzguo
— Anfield Edition | æ (@AnfieldEdition) July 16, 2025
The issue for Isak is not his value, nor the loyalty he has shown Newcastle, but the timing. Many of Europe’s biggest clubs are resolving their long-term striker situations now. Arsenal are set to sign Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting. Chelsea have paid over £60 million to land Joao Pedro and Manchester United have signed Matheus Cunha. Liverpool are prioritising Isak, but have lined up Hugo Ekitike as an alternative.
Outside England, there are even fewer potential destinations. Bayern Munich have Harry Kane. Real Madrid have Kylian Mbappe, while Barcelona may need a striker next season, they still have Robert Lewandowski and are unlikely to secure a deal financially. Then there are the European Champions Paris Saint-Germain, who have an established, youthful and exciting frontline built around Ousmane Dembele.
If Newcastle succeed in keeping Isak this window, there is no guarantee these options will remain open in 12 months. Newcastle’s ambition is clear, they are pushing for regular top-four finishes and Champions League relevance. But for Isak, who is entering his peak years, the chance to win Europe’s biggest trophies might not wait forever.
Newcastle see Isak as untouchable and have no immediate financial pressure to sell. Club chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan views the 25-year-old as a key figure in their long-term plans. But with Liverpool prepared to pay an elite fee, the question is whether Newcastle’s project can match the player’s career trajectory.
A move now could represent Isak’s best shot at reaching the very top. Another year on Tyneside, while not without merit, might mean those doors begin to close.
Photo: Visionhaus/Getty Images
