Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimarães has revealed the toll the ongoing uncertainty over Alexander Isak’s future is taking on the striker. The club faces keen interest from Liverpool, who remain in pursuit even after signing Hugo Ekitiké, and from Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal.

As Newcastle’s squad arrived in Singapore, Guimarães spoke candidly about Isak’s situation. “I’m really close to [Isak]. He’s a good guy. He’s been through some rough things at this moment,” Guimarães said. The Brazilian midfielder emphasised the limits of his influence on the matter: “My focus is with the lads. Isak is something I cannot control. The club has control of it. I hope he’s going to be fit when we come back to Newcastle to prepare for the new season.”

Guimarães noted that Isak’s absence on the trip was due to injury and underlined the striker’s importance: “Of course he’s a top player for us and he’s going to be a miss on this trip. We need him ready as soon as possible.”

Defender Dan Burn shared the view that Isak’s future lies beyond the squad’s remit. “Everyone’s entitled to their own opinion, but I think we can just control what we can control. That’s a question for Alex to answer,” Burn said.

He added that despite Isak’s absence caused by a persistent thigh issue, Newcastle also boasts strong squad depth, praising the signing of Anthony Elanga as a valuable addition.

Newcastle remain intent on retaining Isak and securing him with a new contract, although the striker’s reported weekly wage demand of £300,000 has thus far complicated negotiations. The coming weeks will be crucial as the club prepares for the new season with this ongoing situation unresolved.

Newcastle United are positioning themselves to benefit from the limited competition surrounding RB Leipzig’s striker Benjamin Šeško. Insights have emerged explaining why Arsenal and Manchester United decided to look elsewhere this transfer window.

Arsenal settled on Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyökeres as their primary target, agreeing on a deal worth €63.5 million (£55.2 million) plus €10 million (£8.7 million) in add-ons. According to The Athletic, Arsenal judged Gyökeres to represent better value for money compared to Šeško. Despite discussions with both Leipzig and Šeško’s representatives, Arsenal were reluctant to meet Leipzig’s asking price, which exceeds €75 million (£65.2 million). They also felt Šeško, at 22 years old, required “significant development” and did not yet justify such an investment.

Manchester United continue their search for a striker but share similar reservations about Šeško. The Slovenian forward scored 13 goals in 33 Bundesliga appearances last season, a respectable tally that does not fully justify the high transfer fee. Instead, United have made enquiries for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, signaling a preference for different options.

While Šeško may have expected a move this summer, Leipzig appear prepared to retain him for at least another season. Newcastle, however, view him as a potential replacement for Alexander Isak, who is widely reported to want to leave. Isak did not join the club’s pre-season tour, officially due to a thigh injury, though his departure remains uncertain.

If Isak leaves, Newcastle would likely use the proceeds to pursue Šeško. The asking price for the striker reportedly could reach up to £150 million ($202.9 million).

Newcastle United have announced that striker Alexander Isak will not be joining the club’s pre-season tour in Singapore and South Korea due to a minor thigh injury. The 25-year-old was seen training alone prior to this confirmation, a situation often seen with players who are either injured or contemplating a transfer.

Liverpool have recently acquired Hugo Ekitiké but continue to admire Isak, who is also reportedly attracting interest from Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal. This has intensified speculation surrounding his future.

Isak’s agent added to the uncertainty by hinting that a decision on the player’s next career move was imminent, although no specifics were offered. Meanwhile, Newcastle are reportedly eager to offer Isak a new contract that would likely make him the club’s highest-paid player. However, substantial wage demands have complicated negotiations.

Manager Eddie Howe has expressed confidence that Isak will remain at Newcastle beyond the summer transfer window but stopped short of making any firm guarantees. The club continues to balance the player’s injury, ongoing contract talks, and outside interest as the new season approaches.