Stefan Borson: Alexander Isak fee will be ‘capped’ at this price after Liverpool update
Newcastle United star Alexander Isak has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia after an exit update has emerged.
The Sweden international has been a top performer for the north-east giants since making his club-record £63million move from Real Sociedad in 2022.
Isak registered 27 goals and six assists in 42 appearances last season, helping his side finish fifth in the Premier League and win the Carabao Cup.
The Mail reported on 24 July the 25-year-old has now told St James’ Park chiefs he wants to explore a move away from the club.
Al-Hilal are believed to have explored a move for the striker this summer, but there has been no formal contact with Eddie Howe’s side.
Finance expert Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider the Premier League would have to approve a move to the Saudi Pro League side for fair-market value as they are also owned by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) alongside Newcastle.
Football Insider revealed on 28 July Liverpool are increasingly “confident” of signing Isak after making him a top target this summer.
A formal bid is expected to land at St James’ Park imminently after an initial approach was made by Arne Slot’s side two weeks ago, with Newcastle valuing their prize asset at around £150million.
Newcastle face Alexander Isak transfer blow
Borson insisted it won’t be easy for Newcastle to keep hold of Isak if he wants to leave the club this summer.
He told Football Insider: “Well, they’re not forced.
“They don’t need to sell him. I think they can manage their financial fair play issues. He’s got a long contract.
“They could say no, but it’s not easy to say no when a player wants to leave.
“I think the Al-Hilal situation is bizarre. You have got a team that is very clearly a related party. That’s what they themselves say in their own accounts.
“You have got a team that’s owned by the same owners. That deal would be adjusted.
“First of all, it would have to have a fair market value assessment by the Premier League, so that probably caps the fee at £150million.
“There is no possibility of £200million or something like that because the Premier League won’t approve that. I think the Premier League would approve £150million.
“Then you’ve got Uefa who will effectively adjust out any profit at all on the deal, so it won’t work for Uefa purposes.”
Newcastle in talks to agree double signing
In terms of potential incomings at St James’ Park, Football Insider exclusively revealed on 22 July Newcastle are in talks to sign a goalkeeper and a centre-forward after missing out on other targets.
James Trafford’s imminent move from Burnley to Manchester City means they have been forced to look elsewhere, while concerns around Isak’s future have accelerated plans to sign a new striker.
Howe is looking to strengthen his squad this summer as they prepare to compete in the Champions League next season.
For more Newcastle United and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.