Yasir Al-Rumayyan makes Alexander Isak call as Newcastle United braced for Liverpool bid..
Newcastle United owners have stepped in as Liverpool line-up British record bid for Alexander Isak.
Alexander Isak’s future will reportedly be decided by Newcastle United chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan.
The Sweden international has informed the Magpies of his desire to explore a move elsewhere following an informal approach from Premier League champions Liverpool.
Isak hasn’t travelled with Newcastle to Asia for their pre-season tour due to a “minor thigh issue”. However, the speculation surrounding his future has cast major doubt over that being the only reason for his absence.
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Yasir Al-Rummayyan to decide on Alexander Isak’s future
The Daily Mail reports that Liverpool are preparing a £120million British record bid for Isak, however that falls below the Magpies’ £150m valuation of the player.
Despite the figures mentioned, Newcastle have always maintained that Isak is not for sale. Only now is their resolve set to be truly tested.
Whether or not Newcastle part ways with Isak won’t be solely down to head coach Eddie Howe, with the Daily Telegraph reporting that Al-Rumayyan and the Public Investment of Saudi Arabia – which Al-Rumayyan governs – will make the final decision.
In the aftermath of United’s Carabao Cup triumph over Liverpool in March – a game in which Isak scored the winner in – it was reported that Isak was Al-Rumayyan’s favourite player and he had therefore ordered club chiefs to resist any potential bids.
However, with Isak making the step to agitate for an exit, the club must decide whether to stand firm but risk keeping an unhappy player, or cash in for a record fee. Newcastle stand in a strong position, with Isak still having three years left on his contract.
Eddie Howe addresses Alexander Isak’s future
Before news of Isak’s desire to leave went public, Howe was asked about the player’s future last Saturday after he sat out of the 4-0 defeat at Celtic.
Howe said: “I think it’s difficult for me to give 100% clarity on any player. I’d never sit here and do that because it’s football and you never know what could happen. All I can say is that Alex is happy at Newcastle.
“He loves the players that he plays with, the staff, the team. I’ve never had any issue with him other than really enjoying seeing his talent and seeing him express himself. Certainly, I’m confident that he’s going to be here at the start of the season.
“I have conversations with, I’d say, 100% of the players on their futures,” Howe added. “I’m very, very communicative with them, whether that’s at the end of the season, whether that’s during pre season.
“So, yes, I’ve had discussions with him but that’s not abnormal. I respect a player’s career and how short it is.
“All the time, I will be communicating my desires and my wishes to them and what I see and trying to help them. Alex has been really good. He’s trained really well so far this season.
“I know there’ll be lots of noise around it, and I can’t really control that. But from inside, he’s been really good.”
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