Our star striker won’t be playing, but our big guns will be present at St James’ Park.
Yasir Al-Rumayyan is on his way to Tyneside, with the Newcastle United chairman set to be in the stands for tonight’s showdown clash with Liverpool at 8pm.
The PIF governor’s presence feels significant, not just as a show of support to Eddie Howe and the players, but at a time where matters off the pitch must be ironed out now we’re one week away from the summer window slamming shut.
Meetings are almost certain after tonight’s game, whether that’s to iron out the unsettling situation regarding Alexander Isak’s future and/or support the club’s ongoing pursuit of a much-needed striker signing.
Regardless of Isak, the club are in the market for a striker to replace Callum Wilson, with Brentford’s Yoane Wissa and Wolves’ Jorgen Strand Larsen both pursued last week as we bid to bolster the glaring weak spot in Eddie Howe’s squad.
Newcastle’s stance on Isak’s sale is crystal clear. He won’t be sold unless the club sign TWO quality strikers and receive a fee close to £150m for the Swede, with Newcastle’s Tuesday night statement insisting that our demands have not been met after Liverpool’s opening bid of £110m fell well short of our valuation.
It feels increasingly likely that Isak stays, meaning a reintegration plans may be devised soon, but this won’t change the fact a new striker is still needed.
With Anthony Gordon set to start up front once again tonight as Isak remains absent and Osula not yet trusted to lead the line, our pursuit of a new No. 9 feels just as vital as the next steps for our current No.14.
PIF presence on Tyneside will hopefully speed up our pursuit of two positive resolutions, with Isak staying and a new striker signing the desired outcome over the final seven days of this turbulent summer.
Or he’s here to send the Swedish sulk on his way??
GR(Quote)
About time he got involved as the current structure don’t seem able to get deals over the line. Maybe with Yasir there representing the PIF in transfer negotiations he will have the authority to increase our bids to nearer what the selling clubs want.
mactoon(Quote)
Perfect time to meeting with LFC senior peeps before or after the match.
A win against them tonight would make their need for Isak even stronger, surely ensuring the pay day we are after to let him go?
sickntired(Quote)
Orange boiler suit and a suitcase will soon change his mind!!
Fitchy(Quote)
I hope a disciplinary action plan they devise because Isak the child cannot get away with damaging our clubs games preparation. Also his actions show little respect to the club that brought him on the football world stage. Money is what he values hence no transfer request issued by him. So hurt him where it hurts….his pocket
Martyn Hancock(Quote)
I find it extremely hard to belive how Isak has behaved in this transfer window. Newcastle have given him everything which has been proven by the fact he is now on the world stage as a leading striker. World Cup year. Newcastle should keep him but punish his disrespectful attitude by putting him on loan to a lower division side.
Howard(Quote)
Hit isak in the pocket hard and fine him 2 wks wages for every match he’s missed including pre season and the ones he will miss till he’s apologised too the whole club his God is obviously money so show him plus an employee in a normal job wouldn’t get paid if on strike
Jonboy72(Quote)
😂
Spena10(Quote)
To be honest in the situation we find ourselves since the start of the window there doesn’t appear to have been much involvement by Al-Rumayyan and PIF considering we have had no CEO or SD.
Not impressed as this is their investment supposedly.
Joseph(Quote)