When Alexander Isak joined Newcastle United from Real Sociedad in the summer of 2022, few could have predicted just how quickly he’d become the centrepiece of the club’s attack. Now, two years and 62 goals later, the Swedish forward is one of the Premier League’s most admired strikers, both for his scoring record and the graceful, clinical way he plays the game.
Under Eddie Howe’s guidance, Isak has blossomed into a star. But with that rise has come growing interest from some of Europe’s and now the world’s richest clubs, and a growing sense of frustration behind the scenes.
Earlier this summer, Liverpool made their interest known. With Arne Slot keen to refresh his attacking options, the Reds reached out to Newcastle about a possible £120 million ($160 million) move. While a formal bid was never submitted, the inquiry was serious enough to prompt a swift response from Newcastle’s top brass: Isak is not for sale.
That firm stance pushed Liverpool to back away and shift their focus toward Hugo Ekitike, a long-time Newcastle target who now appears headed for Anfield instead.
But while the Premier League threat may have faded for now, a new and potentially more complex situation is emerging from within Newcastle’s own financial ecosystem.
Al-Hilal, the Saudi Pro League club also backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), which owns a majority stake in Newcastle, have reportedly set their sights on Isak. According to Foot Mercato, Isak has given the “green light” to explore the move, with his representatives now engaged in talks with the Saudi club.
Isak isn’t agitating for a transfer, but his frustrations with Newcastle are becoming harder to ignore. According to The Express, he’s still on a weekly wage of £130,000 ($174,000), and was reportedly promised a raise last season that never materialized. Negotiations over a new deal—one that could have made him the club’s highest earner on over £200,000 ($268,000) per week, have stalled.
For Newcastle, the timing couldn’t be worse. With the club hoping to return to European competition and solidify their place among the league’s elite, keeping their top scorer happy and committed is critical.
What happens next may come down to whether Newcastle can smooth things over internally, or whether their own ownership structure ends up making an irresistible offer from another one of its clubs.
One thing is clear: Alexander Isak’s future, once seen as the foundation of Newcastle’s next chapter, is suddenly filled with uncertainty.