Newcastle United
Newcastle United Expect Firm Stance on Alexander Isak’s Transfer Request
Newcastle plan firm response to Alexander Isak’s transfer request amid ongoing striker pursuit.
Newcastle United are preparing to assert control over Alexander Isak’s future as the club returns from their pre-season tour. The striker is currently training alone at Real Sociedad’s facilities with his personal trainer to manage a minor thigh injury. Newcastle demands that Isak rejoin the squad to prepare for upcoming friendlies against Espanyol and Atlético Madrid, where he is expected to feature.
Despite actively targeting Brentford’s Yoane Wissa as a potential new signing, Newcastle officials remain displeased with Liverpool’s approach to Isak. Liverpool’s interest is contingent on offloading Darwin Núñez following Luis Díaz’s transfer to Bayern Munich, leaving Newcastle doubtful about the seriousness of the bid.
According to Craig Hope, who first reported Isak’s desire to leave, Newcastle are willing to block any exit if a suitable replacement isn’t secured. Their pursuit of RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško has hit a snag due to Manchester United entering the race, with Šeško reportedly preferring a move to Old Trafford.
This complication has weakened Isak’s chances of a move this summer. Newcastle insist they will only sanction a sale if the financial and timing conditions allow them to find a quality replacement. With three years left on Isak’s contract, the club faces no urgent pressure and aims to negotiate a new deal.
Newcastle’s focus is clear: retain their leading striker unless a carefully structured deal unfolds. It reflects a pragmatic approach to squad management and transfer dealings in this pivotal stage of the season.
Liverpool
Liverpool’s Formal Bid for Alexander Isak Denied by Newcastle United
Liverpool bid for Alexander Isak rejected by Newcastle; transfer talks continue amid contract stalemate.
Liverpool have made a formal offer for Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, which Newcastle have declined. The Sweden international previously expressed a desire to leave Newcastle this summer, choosing not to join the squad for pre-season and instead training separately at his former club, Real Sociedad.
Reports reveal Liverpool’s opening bid was around £110-120 million, though Newcastle reportedly value Isak closer to £150 million and remain firm on not selling their key striker. Efforts to negotiate a new contract with Isak, potentially including a release clause for 2026, have been unsuccessful given his insistence on a move to Liverpool.
Despite Newcastle’s attempts to retain Isak, including plans to require his return for training next week, the club is actively exploring reinforcement options in anticipation of a possible departure. RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško is a primary target, yet competition for his signature comes from Manchester United, who are confident of signing him. Brentford’s Yoane Wissa is also on Newcastle’s radar, although Brentford are reluctant to sanction another significant sale after losing Bryan Mbeumo.
This transfer saga continues amid firm stances from both clubs, with Liverpool pushing to secure the striking talent and Newcastle determined to protect their leading goal scorer.
Newcastle United
Alexander Isak Trains Solo at Real Sociedad Amid Liverpool Transfer Interest
Alexander Isak trains alone at Real Sociedad amid Liverpool’s reported £150m bid, Newcastle resist.
Alexander Isak, the Newcastle United striker, is currently training independently at the facilities of his former club Real Sociedad as he awaits clarity on his future. The 25-year-old Swedish forward is keen to join Liverpool, who are reportedly prepared to offer close to £150 million, a sum that would set a new Premier League transfer record.
Despite the strong interest from Liverpool, Newcastle remain firm in their desire to retain Isak, aiming to secure the striker on a new contract. Basque news outlet El Diario Vasco revealed that Isak has been working alone with a fitness trainer at Sociedad, focusing on injury recovery away from team sessions.
Reports suggesting Newcastle were unaware of Isak’s location have been challenged by Sky Sports News, which states that the club is fully informed of his training activities at Sociedad.
Real Sociedad, where Isak made 132 appearances before his 2022 transfer, holds a financial stake in any future sale. They are entitled to 10% of any transfer fee exceeding €70 million plus 2% of the overall fee.
Formal negotiations between Newcastle and Liverpool have yet to commence. An initial informal approach from Liverpool was rejected, prompting the club to sign Hugo Ekitiké from Eintracht Frankfurt instead. However, Liverpool are ready to submit a record-breaking bid should Newcastle show openness to a deal.
While Newcastle remain determined to keep Isak, they are also pursuing RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško, with competition now emerging from Manchester United for the young forward.
Chelsea
Man Utd Reject Swap Deal Involving Alejandro Garnacho and Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson
Man Utd dismiss swap with Chelsea involving Garnacho and Nicolas Jackson, eye Šeško instead.
Manchester United have made it clear they are not interested in a swap deal involving Alejandro Garnacho and Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, despite ongoing speculation. Reports suggest Chelsea remain keen on Garnacho, yet United have no intention of including Jackson as part of an exchange.
Jackson’s performance last season, marked by 13 goals in all competitions, has fallen short of expectations for a striker entering his prime. Additionally, his disciplinary record, including multiple recent send-offs, has caused frustration amongst Chelsea supporters.
Instead of pursuing Jackson, Manchester United are focused on alternative striker options. Earlier in the week, the club reportedly narrowed their list to two frontmen: Ollie Watkins and Benjamin Šeško. By midweek, Šeško emerged as the sole preferred target, with progress reportedly accelerating partly due to competition from Newcastle United, who may soon need a new striker themselves if Alexander Isak departs.
Watkins, while more established with five Premier League seasons at Aston Villa and England international experience, is considered a cheaper but older option, likely providing only a short-term solution.
