Just under a week ago, it had looked like Newcastle United were set to complete a significant coup in the transfer market as we moved in for Hugo Ekitike.
But since then, it’s been a series of tough lessons for Eddie Howe and the side, with Alexanderr Isak linked with an exit, Hugo Ekitike heading elsewhere and a move for James Trafford thrown into doubt.
Isak remains a constant source of speculation over whether or not he’ll still be at St James’ Park, particularly after Howe personally sent the star home from Celtic Park on Saturday afternoon, due to rumours and fitness reasons.
But one strong statement has emerged today from a North East reporter, who has moved to ease fears following the Swede’s absence yesterday.
Edwards: Isak is NOT for sale
The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards has issued a clear message on Alexander Isak’s future at Newcastle United.
Writing on X, Edwards wrote: “I will repeat for the hard of hearing. Alexander Isak is not for sale this summer. Not to Liverpool. Not to Saudi Arabia. Not to anyone. No amount of fake news, fraudulent in the know chancers or selective quote using aggregator accounts will alter that stance from Newcastle.”
It comes as an emphatic criticism on the vast media speculation and guesswork surrounding Isak’s happiness on Tyneside, despite personally saying he’s more than content at the club in the past.
And Edwards’ words will no doubt resonate with large portions of our fanbase, who are growing tired of the repeated ‘Big Six’ links for our top stars.
Isak nerves settled as Ekitike fee agreed?
Over the course of the last week, the narrative became that if Liverpool couldn’t have Isak, they’d go for Hugo Ekitike instead.
But, thankfully for Newcastle, it looks like Arne Slot’s side have had to settle for their second choice option in attack, even if it’s seen us miss out as a result.
And it’s come at a staggering cost, with Fabrizio Romano and David Ornstein each saying that the Reds will pay Eintracht Frankfurt €90m for the Frenchman in a whopping deal that could rise to €95m.
With the general expectation that Liverpool now can’t spend much more this summer, and Arsenal still in tense negotiations with Sporting Lisbon for Viktor Gyokeres, the two biggest ‘threats’ to Isak’s status as a Newcastle player look to be over for the time being.
🚨💣 BREAKING: Hugo Ekitike to Liverpool, here we go!
Deal in place for fee over €90m for the French striker to join from Eintracht Frankfurt, potentially reaching €95m.
Six year deal for Ekitike, valid until June 2031; he only wanted Liverpool move.
New striker for Slot 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/iRbjZGz4Ob
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 20, 2025
I’m sure one of PIF’s Saudi clubs will come in and give Liverpool some more spending power. I’m glad that we at least pushed the Ekitike price up for them.
Ian(Quote)
I’ll get back to you at the end of the season….
Jason(Quote)
If Isak is not available at any price, to any club etc then why has it been dependent upon Ekitike going to Liverpool?
Even if they hadn’t signed him then why is this guff constantly trotted out?
Surely it would not have mattered whether LiVARpool had come with any bid as it would have been knocked back?
The Fenway Group do not have the money that PIF have so they could never intimidate them in any way!
X.Y,WHY,MAN.(Quote)
So why haven’t the Sportswashers offered Isak a new contract? His head has been turned and I expect him to refuse a new contract and be sold probably not this window but next year.
Having deep pockets doesn’t mean they can buy anyone and everyone. PSR still needs to be adhered to. Selling Nunez, Diaz, Elliot, Chiesa, Doak etc will give Liverpool enough money to buy Isak from the Flog on the Tyners.
The journalist hackers lost out on Joao Pedro now Ekitike. Face up to reality, no one wants to go there
Bob Dowie(Quote)
It’s my dream that NUFC don’t just have Isak that everybody rich wants, but our whole squad is so good that everybody wants all of’em. Bring on these rumours!
davewallace(Quote)
@Bob Dowie,
Save your **** for the Echo, we’d rather Isak goes to Saudi than L4.
When City get off with 115 charges the PIF will be able to out spend that nonce John Henry.
Mt10(Quote)
Not sure what hard lessons the writer thinks Newcastle learnt other than the media writes “stories”.. as to woke washing bin dippers like bob.. Newcastle have been living rent free in liverpools head since klopp started crying over the takeover .. it’s all fear from the Red cartel and their clients in the media ..they know the game is up and Newcastle villa and forest can now compete
Good luck to Liverpool a fantastic club hope they can still be top 8 in ten years 😂
Mike(Quote)