Newcastle hatch exciting plan to stop another Alexander Isak situation unfolding
Alexander Isak’s transfer saga dominated the headlines during the summer, with the Swedish goal machine finally getting his big move to Liverpool.
Isak refused to train at Newcastle to force a move through to the Reds, and the 25-year-old tarnished his legacy at St James’ Park to become the most expensive Premier League player ever.
A disrupted pre-season has since seen Isak struggle at the start of his Liverpool career, scoring just once in his first six appearances.
Admittedly, a lack of match sharpness has played its part, but the Magpies have coped well without the Swedish international.
Newcastle’s £69million capture of Nick Woltemade has proven worth his weight in gold, and now the Toon hierarchy are hatching a plan to prevent another Isak situation unfolding.
Newcastle will include release clauses in players’ contracts
Following their Saudi takeover in 2021, Newcastle have become used to including clauses in players’ contracts.
Bruno Guimaraes’ 2023 contract renewal included a £100m release clause that could be triggered for one month (June) in the subsequent transfer window.
Anthony Gordon’s new deal also included similar terms, and the winger enjoyed a summer refreshingly free of transfer uncertainty.
According to the i Paper, new contracts for Tino Livramento, Sandro Tonali, and Sven Botman would almost certainly include similar clauses.
It is understood that including a release clause in a contract can provide the club with some clarity on what might or might not happen, something they had no control over in the Isak situation.
Newcastle can use their leverage to ensure the release clause is pitched at the right level and ultimately strengthen their position as a club.
Which Newcastle players are out of contract in 2026?
When looking to renew the deals of Tonali, Botman and Livramento, the Magpies are in a strong place, as Botman’s expires in 2027, while Tonali and Livramento have three years left to run.
As for the players who see their contracts expire in 2026, there are six currently on the list, while Aaron Ramsdale has an option to buy once his loan ends.
| Newcastle contracts expiring in 2026 |
| Nick Pope |
| Fabian Schar |
| Kieran Trippier |
| Jamal Lascelles |
| Emil Krafth |
| Mark Gillespie |
Newcastle must give Pope a new contract; otherwise, they risk him leaving on a free transfer, whereas the rest are likely to depart.