Alexander Isak has reportedly made it clear to Newcastle United that he’s open to leaving the club this summer, with the Magpies already weighing up potential replacements up front, Afrosport reports.
The 25-year-old striker has been at the centre of transfer discussions in recent weeks, with Newcastle said to have rejected a substantial approach from Liverpool. The Reds have since secured the signing of French forward Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt in a deal worth £79 million.
The Sweden International still has three years remaining on his current contract but is understood to be unwilling to commit to an extension. While he hasn’t formally submitted a transfer request, he is open to exploring his options as he seeks a move away from Tyneside.
Newcastle, however, are not willing to part with Isak for cheap and have reportedly slapped a £150 million valuation on their star man.
The former Real Sociedad forward was notably absent from the squad that suffered a 4-0 defeat to Celtic on Saturday and has not travelled with the team for their pre-season tour of Asia. The club has attributed his absence to a “minor thigh injury” but he was picture training individually on Tuesday.
Isak, who joined the Toons in a club-record move in 2022, has scored 62 goals in 109 appearances for Newcastle. He enjoyed a stellar campaign last season, bagging 23 goals in 34 Premier League matches to help Eddie Howe’s side finish fifth and book a return to the Champions League.
He also played a key role in ending Newcastle’s 70-year wait for silverware, scoring in their League Cup final win over Liverpool in March.
Despite the addition of Ekitike, Isak remains high on Liverpool’s wishlist, while Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal are also rumoured to be monitoring his situation.
Newcastle will face Arsenal at the Singapore National Stadium on Sunday, before heading to South Korea for two matches against K-League All-Stars and Tottenham.
