Isak 'tells Newcastle he wants move' amid Liverpool interest | OneFootball

Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak has informed the club he wants to explore a potential move away this summer, in a dramatic development that could pave the way for a British record transfer to Liverpool.

The 25-year-old Swede has not travelled with Eddie Howe’s squad for their pre-season tour of the Far East, officially due to a minor thigh injury. However, sources close to the club have confirmed to Mail Sport that Isak and his representatives have made his intentions clear: he wants to consider his options amid strong interest from Anfield.

Liverpool have identified Isak as a marquee target following their £79m capture of Hugo Ekitiké. Any move for the Newcastle talisman is expected to cost in the region of £150m – a figure that would eclipse the British record £116m fee the Reds paid Bayer Leverkusen for Florian Wirtz last month.

Isak remains under contract until 2028, giving Newcastle significant leverage in negotiations. Club chief executive Darren Eales previously stated that a new deal would be discussed post-season, but talks have yet to materialise.

While Newcastle remain reluctant to sell, preferring to extend the striker’s stay at St James’ Park, sources suggest the combination of Liverpool's potential bid and Isak's own desire to test the market could accelerate discussions in the coming weeks.

Isak was notably absent from the Magpies' 4–0 friendly defeat to Celtic over the weekend, with Howe suggesting the striker had been sent home to "manage his minutes." At the time, Howe expected him to rejoin the group in Asia, but the club later confirmed the player would remain in the UK due to injury.

Under Howe, Isak has flourished since arriving in 2022, scoring 62 goals in 109 appearances. His combination of pace, power and technical ability has made him one of the most coveted centre-forwards in Europe.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot is said to be a long-time admirer of Isak and sees him as a potential long-term focal point for the Premier League champions’ attack.

Should Liverpool meet Newcastle’s valuation and navigate Financial Fair Play constraints, Isak’s switch could become one of the defining moves of the summer window.

Newcastle, meanwhile, face the daunting prospect of losing a cornerstone of their project just weeks before the new season kicks off.

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