Newcastle United appear to have successfully fended off Liverpool’s interest in Alexander Isak, but the rumour mill continues to turn.
There has barely been time to unwind from the saga involving Newcastle, Liverpool, Isak and Hugo Ekitike, yet fresh gossip coming from Italy has seen the Toon’s talisman dragged into another story.
One thing is for sure. Another long summer lies ahead with seemingly all parties interest in Newcastle’s No. 14.
Saudi interested in Isak?
Al-Hilal are “considering a massive offer” for Newcastle centre-forward Alexander Isak, according to Sky Italia reporter Gianluca Di Marzio.
Newcastle’s stance is not clear in the report, but it has been suggested that in excess of £150m would be needed to even enter talks over a possible deal.
The PIF-owned Saudi Arabian side, coached by Simone Inzaghi are looking to make a huge statement in the market this summer and could spend an exorbitant amount on Isak if they so wish.
With no financial regulations imposed on the Saudi Pro League, as the Premier League has with PSR, there are no bounds to the fee and wages that could be on offer in order to get a deal over the line.
Unlikely, but not unquestionable
Di Marzio tags onto his report that there would be “no issues” with a potential transfer, despite both clubs sharing PIF ownership. The decision may ultimately come down to Isak.
Maybe I’m in the first stage of grief, but surely at this stage of his career Isak wouldn’t move to Saudi Arabia – though you can imagine the wages on offer will be astronomical.
The likes of Ruben Neves, Moussa Diaby, and Ivan Toney have shown that players are willing to move to Saudi for the prime years of their career, but Isak is a level above those aforementioned.
At 25, you would imagine he’s better served staying in Europe, where he can compete at the highest level, play in the Champions League and increase his chances of a Ballon d’Or nod.
Here’s what I think this rumour is. Liverpool muscled in on Ekitike to make a point, to flex their proverbial muscles. They annoyed PIF by telling us they’d sign Ekitike if we wouldn’t sell them Isak, and the Liverpool based media are going out of their way to unsettle Isak.
This is PIF making the point that, if we have to sell Isak, it won’t be to Liverpool and it will be for a much higher fee than they could ever offer. So in this scenario, Liverpool don’t get the player they want and Newcastle get so much money that we won’t have to worry about PSR for the foreseeable.
When you look at it from that perspective, I’m sure we’d all agree we’d rather sell Isak to a Saudi team than any European team. Don’t see it happening, though. I think it’s more about making the point.
Ian(Quote)
Could be…..but I think even more likely that it’s totally made up rubbish. This ‘expert’ is a total joke, his hit rate is tiny on transfers. Ie random chance, he knows as much as the rest of us. The real joke is the UK press pick it up as fact and all report it….standards of journalism these days are shocking. It’s laughable really
East stand(Quote)
Did that happen did Liverpool say to Newcastle if you don’t sell us Isak then we will buy Ekitike?
Or are the media doing their usual and putting their oar in to stir the pot.
Did Liverpool muscle in on Newcastle or was it the other way around because Ekitike has been linked to Liverpool for some time, Newcastle have not been linked to Ekitike until Liverpool made a move for Isak.
who knows, i have said this once and i will say it again time for Isak to speak does he want to leave or stay this matter would be easy sorted where that to happen.
Stewart Brookes(Quote)
Who cares. Either way we need reinforcements, rather than this Guehi-esque shambles. If evidence was needed that we need a proven operator as DoF rather than relying on those currently in post, then surely the first weeks of this window says it all. The fact that the CEO still hasn’t been replaced and the DoF was allowed to walk away, shows a worrying lack of competency and nous at the top of the club.
Peaco(Quote)
I very much doubt the DoF was “allowed to walk away” apart from this being a euphemism for the tin tack. And good riddance. (Assuming DoF was Mitchell’s title)
davewallace(Quote)
It’s just fetid legacy media lies and click bait .. there have been he said it’s believed sources say in the media all year long from fluke edwards, Craig dope and co .. 🤡😵💫
Mike(Quote)
Am I not right in thinking that a deal between two clubs owned by the same owner would be unacceptable to the financial fair play rules.
What would there be otherwise to stop Al Hilal paying £300m. for Isak, and then loaning him back to us for the next couple of years ?
Roger Hopkins(Quote)