‘Alexander Isak work strike update at Newcastle as Liverpool move blocked’
Alexander Isak’s potential to go on strike at Newcastle has been mooted by those close to him amid serious interest from Liverpool in his signature.
Isak has shone at Newcastle in the last few years, with 23 goals and six assists last season to fire the Magpies to a fifth-placed finish in the Premier League and Carabao Cup glory.
That standout form in the north-east has obviously not gone unnoticed by the world’s top teams, with both Liverpool and Arsenal believed to be interested in a move for Isak earlier on in the summer.
Liverpool have already made one huge move in the transfer market by bringing in Florian Wirtz for a club-record fee, but they are not stopping there after it was reported on Tuesday, 15 July, that the Reds have made contact with Newcastle to gauge their willingness to sell Isak before the new season.
Football Insider have revealed that Liverpool are set to submit a Premier League-record £130million bid for Isak soon, and Newcastle are now looking to sign Hugo Ekitike in a club-record move from Eintracht Frankfurt as a potential replacement.
Isak unlikely to go on strike at Newcastle
With Liverpool’s interest heating up, Isak could theoretically be tempted to try and force a move to Anfield this summer and refuse to train or play under Eddie Howe with the new season just under a month away.
However, a new report from The i has played down something of that nature taking place, with those close to the Swede’s reportedly suggesting that striking and rebelling “isn’t in his nature,” as he is known to be a relaxed and laidback character.
Isak is also said to be “grateful” to Magpies boss Howe for the work he has done in training to help improve his game since his 2022 move from Real Sociedad.
The 25-year-old scored 10 goals in 22 league appearances in his first season at St James’ Park, which pales in comparison to his 23 from 34 games in the most recent campaign.
Newcastle should hold out for £150m to sell Isak
Football Insider verdict
Newcastle’s recent successes under Howe have been headed by the firepower of their Swedish international striker, who has netted over 20 goals in each of his previous two league campaigns.
Isak is understandably untouchable in the transfer market as far as Newcastle are concerned this summer, but any bid that reaches £150m, considering the £63m [BBC] they spent to sign him in 2022, will surely be entertained regardless of their strong position and circumstances.
| Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 109 | 62 | 11 |
Newcastle’s owners have insisted that they will not be bullied by Liverpool this summer, but while Isak is yet to admit that he wants to leave St James’ Park, he will surely be looking to depart at some stage as he enters his prime and looks to compete for the top prizes from a team and individual standpoint.
The Swede currently has three years left on his contract, so the Magpies do not have to sell him by any means, but a potential approach of £150m is too good to turn down for pretty much any player on the planet, and he is no exception.