The fight over Alexander Isak’s future has reached a critical point. The Swedish striker is locked in a tense standoff with Newcastle United, while the club is also moving fast to sign Aston Villa star Jacob Ramsey for around £40 million.
Isak shocked Newcastle on July 24 when he told them he wanted to leave. He still has three years left on his contract, but he has made it clear he wants to join Liverpool before the transfer window closes.
Since then, things have only become more heated. Isak has reportedly refused to train and has told Newcastle he will not play for them again.
Liverpool are the only club seriously chasing him. They already beat Newcastle to the signing of Hugo Ekitike, and they have the money to make a huge bid.
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Newcastle, however, are standing firm. They have rejected Liverpool’s £120 million offer and are demanding £150 million for their star striker.
The tension could hit a new peak on August 25, when Newcastle host Liverpool at St James’ Park in the Premier League. The transfer window will still be open until September 1, making the timing of this match explosive.
It’s expected that Isak will still be on the sidelines that day. For him, the game will be a key moment to see which club offers the better future.
If Liverpool dominate Newcastle on their home turf, Isak’s desire to move will grow even stronger. If Newcastle match them and show ambition, he might think twice.
The Magpies had a strong season last year, finishing fifth and earning a spot in the Champions League. But their summer transfer window has been mixed, with several targets going to other Premier League clubs.
Still, Newcastle have added quality. Anthony Elanga has arrived from Nottingham Forest, Malick Thiaw has joined from AC Milan, and goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has come in on loan from Southampton.
Now, they are close to completing a big signing in Jacob Ramsey from Aston Villa. Talks are said to be advanced, with an agreement near.
Ramsey, 24, has been a key player for Villa since his debut in 2019, scoring 17 goals in 167 appearances. Last season, he was a regular under manager Unai Emery.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe believes Ramsey can add energy and creativity to the midfield. If the deal is done, it would be Newcastle’s third permanent signing of the summer.
But even with new signings, there’s a big gap in wages between Newcastle and Liverpool.
Isak earns about £120,000-a-week, while Newcastle’s top earner Bruno Guimaraes gets £160,000. At Liverpool, Mohamed Salah takes home more than £350,000-a-week.
Money isn’t the only factor, but it shows the difference between the two clubs in financial strength and global status.
Newcastle’s Saudi owners have deep pockets, but so far, they’ve avoided paying superstar-level wages.
For now, the club controls the situation. They can keep Isak, fine him for refusing to train, or wait for Liverpool to increase their offer.
The August 25 showdown could be the moment everything changes: either pushing Liverpool to meet Newcastle’s asking price or forcing Isak to rethink his stand.
Until then, fans on both sides will be watching every move closely. Will Isak be wearing red or black-and-white when the transfer window closes?
