Alexander Isak may have made ‘strategic mistake’ as Newcastle cornered over exit
Isak has made his intentions clear regarding his Newcastle future as the two parties try to resolve the transfer situation but could have overplayed his hand.
The saga has taken a new turn as Isak was left out of the club’s pre-season tour of Asia after requesting to review his options.
The 25-year-old has been the centre of transfer attention all summer, amid interest from Liverpool and Saudi Arabia.
Having scored 27 goals across all competitions last season and valued at over £107million according to Sofascore, it would take a monumental offer to tempt the striker away from Tyneside.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is well-versed in playing down speculation and rumours, but the absence of Isak suggests that the number 14 is looking for a way out.
This transfer development, combined with the Toon’s 4-0 battering away to Celtic has created a more than unhappy atmosphere at St James’ Park.
Isak and Newcastle in a sticky situation
The i’s Mark Douglas (24 July) believes Isak may have made a “strategic mistake”, given the shortage of available options right now.
Liverpool remain interested in Isak, even after signing Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike with The i understanding the Reds may have some more “wiggle room” to add to their frontline.
However, outside of Liverpool and Saudi Arabia, there aren’t an array of teams who have the funds to buy the Swede.
Moreover, Douglas added that by Isak being “so demonstrative over his future” this could make Newcastle feel “boxed into a corner”, which may not help the forward’s chances of getting a move.
The sale of Newcastle’s main striker could pave the way for the Toon to bring in new replacements such as Brentford’s Yoane Wissa.
The Bees and the Magpies have been negotiating for the Congolese, but there is reportedly still a considerable gap in valuation.
But as the primary substitute for an Isak departure, The i also understands that RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko is a potential alternative.
Newcastle are known to have been long-term admirers of the Slovenian and Isak’s exit would provide the necessary funds to bring him in.
Unrest at St James’ Park
Football Insider verdict
Newcastle have experienced a testing transfer window so far and the Isak situation has made the situation worse.
Having missed out on Bryan Mbeumo to Man United and Joao Pedro to Chelsea, the Magpies only have Anthony Elanga to show for their transfer dealings.
Decisive action needs to be taken regarding their Swedish striker before the start of the season or the end of the summer transfer window.
Isak’s evident discontent may push Newcastle to sell the forward in order to redistribute funds to fill much needed positions in the squad.
Yet, within Europe, there does not appear to be a club who have the financial capability to bring in the Swedish international who will demand a hefty wage bill and carry an enormous transfer fee.
Saudi Arabia seems like the likeliest destination as of now, but does the 25-year-old want to embark east to play a lower level of football as he enters his prime years?
The chance of Isak leaving to another club looks unlikely at this current stage.
The more pressing matter for Newcastle and the Swede is to try to reconcile, if it is possible, before the start of a crucial Premier League campaign.