As every football journalist scrambles for information and updates on Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike, one of our better North East reporters has shared some insight this afternoon.
With Newcastle’s push to sign Hugo Eitike forcing the Reds to show their hand and pursue Isak in fear of missing out on both, it’s a complex matter involving two players, two Premier League clubs with big ambitions and a Bundesliga side in Frankfurt hoping for a bidding war.
But what is Isak’s stance and why is his situation at Newcastle considered ‘complicated’?
Isak ‘disappointed’ by broken promise
The Mail’s Craig Hope reports that Isak’s next move in this striker saga could prove key, and reveals that the Swede feels a little let down by a recent broken promise.
Hope reveals that there was a promise of a new contract from previous co-owners, presumably Amanda Staveley, but this has not been honoured a year on from her exit along with Mehrdad Ghodoussi.
He then goes on to state that former sporting director Paul Mitchell did not act on this and do what seemed right by the striker, feeling Isak was ‘well paid’ and in no position to need a new deal with four years still left to run last summer.
A year on, Hope states that there has been ‘no progress’ on a new deal since then. His contract still has three more years left to run, but it’s a frustrating revelation that doesn’t pain Mitchell in a very good light, not for the first time!
Liverpool bid incoming?
So, what’s next? Will Isak push for a move? Will Newcastle stand firm on their £150m+ valuation? Will Liverpool make a big play to sign him?
Hope states that Newcastle’s stance remains the same – they do NOT want to sell – and plan to offer Isak improved terms to reward another superb season.
However, it is ‘not yet known’ if he wants to sign a new deal, while Liverpool are expected to come forward with an offer, with Toon chiefs ‘braced’ for a formal bid from Merseyside.
Remember, Al Rumayyan said no sale of Isak under any circumstances, it would be a brave man or woman who went against the wishes of the Chairman of PIF.
Canova(Quote)
Utter Rubbish from hopeless
Absolutely glorious(Quote)
I don’t believe anything these so called journalists say,, where is the proof that Isak is upset? Where is the proof that Liverpool have approached Newcastle with an offer of £120 mil “if we decide to sell” it’s all made up, nobody knows.
MorpethMag(Quote)
Shocking reports from them all, what a bunch of tossers.
Kiddafromthetoon(Quote)
Just give me Money that’s what I want – Isak
Wishin’ and Hopin’ – The Toon Army
You Never Can Tell – Liverpool Kop
Bill(Quote)
It appears from this article that Isak has told Hope all about his feelings and how “upset” he is at his mega bucks current contract not being improved “as promised”.
What a load of S***e…..
DazlaD(Quote)
The media in full swing to unsettle Isak. The thought of a front 4 of Gordon, Isak, Ekitike and Elanga has them rattled. If Chelsea expect £100m for Jackson, Newcastle need to slap down £200m for Isak.
1lostandfound(Quote)
Craig Hope is a $wat, that is all.
kimtoon(Quote)
Yes lads yet another heap of speculative sh1te. Pass me the salt please. Apart from that I would love it,love it if Ekitike signed for us and not the bin burglars. Keep the faith,no matter what happens or who we eventually sign we’ll have a better team/squad than last season 👍🏻
Tommy Tantrum(Quote)
What “proof” do you expect?
The proof will be him signing for Liverpool.
BykerBill(Quote)
Funny how Craig dope has known about this for a long time and magically pumps a “story”., utter b/s .. it’s been made crystal clear by Eddie Howe that Newcastle would talk with isak about a new contract at the end of the season and that’s what is ongoing .. I believe Eddie and not some hack at the daily fail
Mike(Quote)
I am shocked at craig hope for this story, Darren eals has already came out and said contract talks would start this summer for isak, unless I’m mistaken we are still in the summer!!! Terrible Terrible journalism and from a geordie aswell? Very disappointing
Azza(Quote)
I still recall Craig Hopes scoop ‘Joe Linton has played his last game for the club’ back in 23. The man is Nostrodamus.
will(Quote)
More fake news he is a toon player still has 3 years left on his contract why would we sell one of the best strikers in club football o and WERE not a selling club anymore.
David Alexander Roxborough(Quote)