Journalist: Newcastle Star Maintains Desire to Leave | OneFootball

Alexander Isak’s Liverpool Dream Sparks Newcastle Stand-Off

Alexander Isak remains resolute in his desire to leave Newcastle United for Liverpool, despite the intervention of chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan who is working hard to keep the Swedish striker at St James’ Park. According to The Telegraph, the 24-year-old has reiterated his stance to join Liverpool, but Newcastle have yet to receive a bid close to their £150 million valuation.

Player Power and PIF Pressure

A delegation from the Public Investment Fund (PIF), along with co-owner Jamie Reuben, reportedly visited Isak at his home on Monday. However, there is no sign of progress in convincing him to return to training. As things stand, Isak seems determined to remain on strike until he secures his desired move or the transfer window shuts.

“That deadline is only six days away but it seems certain the striker will miss Newcastle’s game against Leeds United on Saturday, having already refused to play against Aston Villa and Liverpool.”

Photo: IMAGO

Liverpool are thought to be preparing a second bid after their initial £110 million offer was turned down three weeks ago. Still, they will not make a move unless Newcastle signals willingness to negotiate. The Merseyside club will not go anywhere near Newcastle’s asking price, leaving this saga delicately balanced.

Newcastle Holding Firm on Valuation

Newcastle’s hierarchy remains adamant that Isak will not leave under current conditions. The club expects to secure two new strikers before even contemplating his departure. Saudi Arabia’s PIF, with Al-Rumayyan at the forefront, is under increasing pressure but has held firm all summer that Isak would stay.

“Not only would Liverpool have to match their valuation of Isak, Newcastle would also need to sign two strikers before the close of the window.”

Manager Eddie Howe has expressed his frustration over the uncertainty surrounding his star forward. Speaking after Newcastle’s 3-2 defeat by Liverpool, Howe said:“I’ve not been party to talks for a long time now. I have been preparing the team and that’s where my energy is best at the moment. I think that’s the ideal from everyone, the Newcastle side, that we want clarity.”

Howe Faces Selection Headache

Fan reaction has been mixed, with some supporters directing anger towards Isak, labelling him a “greedy b——” during early-season fixtures. While protests were seen outside St James’ Park, matchday atmospheres remain largely supportive of the team.

With Anthony Gordon now suspended following his red card against Liverpool, Howe’s attacking options are running thin. William Osula could step in after scoring from the bench, but this is far from ideal for a club with Champions League aspirations. Howe summed up the situation bluntly:“If you do the maths we are running out of options in that position. But I have to look at positives. Will Osula came on and scored a goal.”

The final decision now lies with Newcastle’s majority stakeholders. If Isak continues to refuse to play, the pressure will only grow as the window edges closer to closing.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

This situation is reaching boiling point. For Liverpool fans, the thought of adding Alexander Isak to Arne Slot’s forward line is tantalising, especially after a summer overshadowed by Diogo Jota’s tragic loss. Isak offers pace, power and technical brilliance that could transform Liverpool’s attack. Yet, the numbers involved make this complicated.

Newcastle’s £150 million valuation feels unrealistic in a market where even elite forwards rarely hit those figures unless under lengthy contracts. Liverpool are shrewd operators and have never been a club to overspend wildly, which makes a compromise essential for this deal to happen.

Newcastle fans will understandably feel betrayed if their star striker forces a move, but this also highlights how quickly dynamics shift when top players flex their influence. With six days left, the pressure is monumental. If Liverpool sense weakness, a second bid could test Newcastle’s resolve, but unless conditions change, this could be a high-profile standoff with no winner.