PIF make Alexander Isak Newcastle United transfer ‘decision’ amid Liverpool links…
Latest Liverpool transfer news with an update on Alexander Isak’s future.
The decision on Alexander Isak’s future will reportedly be made by Newcastle United chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan. Liverpool have been alerted to the forward’s situation after he informed the club of his desire to explore different opportunities this summer.
Reports on Thursday morning claimed that Isak had been left out of Newcastle’s squad for their pre-season tour in Singapore and South Korea as he continues to nurse a minor thigh problem. Eddie Howe’s side face Arsenal in their third pre-season fixture on Sunday.
A matter of hours after that broke, the Daily Mail then claimed that Isak has told Newcastle he is considering leaving the club this summer.
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Newcastle have been steadfast in their insistence that Isak is not for sale.
The 25-year-old Sweden international, who scored 27 goals in 42 appearances for the Magpies last season, is valued at more than £150million.
Now, a fresh twist has emerged. According to The Telegraph, Al-Rumayyan, Newcastle’s chairman, and PIF, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, will decide what happens next in the complex saga.
Al-Rumayyan’s direct involvement is unusual at St James’ Park, with the Saudi businessman normally taking a backseat in the day-to-day running of the club. But given the significance of the decision on Isak, PIF want to take control rather than leave the situation up to the manager.
As reported by the ECHO on Thursday, Liverpool are now on standby to make a British record offer.
The Reds have spent more than £250m in the summer transfer window so far, bringing Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, Armin Pecsi, Freddie Woodman, Giorgi Mamardashvili and Hugo Ekitike to Anfield.
However, Slot’s side are not expected to stop there and want to continue their spending spree.
Newcastle, meanwhile, have explored a possible deal to sign Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig.
The Slovenian has been a long-term target and impressed in Germany last season, scoring 22 goals in 45 appearances.
Howe’s Magpies squad landed in Singapore on Friday morning for their pre-season, having been surprised at the reports that Isak is keeping his options open.
“I’m really close to him. He’s a good guy. He’s been through some rough things at this moment,” club captain Bruno Guimaraes said.
“My focus is with the lads. Isak is something I cannot control. The club has control of it. I hope he’s going to be fit when we come back to Newcastle to prepare for the new season.
“They told us he was there in Newcastle because of his injury. Of course he’s a top player for us and he’s going to be a miss on this trip. We need him ready as soon as possible.”
Dan Burn added: “Listen, everyone’s entitled to their own opinion. But I think we can just control what we can control. That’s a question for Alex to answer.
“He’s obviously a big player for us, but we do have a lot of quality in the squad as well. Bringing Anthony [Elanga] in as well, which I think was a great signing.”
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