During the final matches of the 2024/2025 season, well-informed Arsenal fans were not very interested in the Gunners’ last game. Instead, they had already begun to anticipate what the club would do in the transfer window especially in attack, with a main focus on the striker positions.
These keen fans wanted to know who would finish in fifth position and clinch the opportunity to play in the Champions League next season.
Newcastle United has had a strong second half of the season and are now the focus of most Arsenal fans. The theory is that if Newcastle finishes fifth and secures Champions League football, their star striker Alexander Isak will be nearly impossible to price away from the club.
And as fate would have it, United did clinch fifth place after the referee did a job on Aston Villa in their match against Manchester United. So at that point, the dream was over, time to look at other options, and that should have been the end of the story.
But it wasn’t the end of the story. The first clue that all was not well in paradise was when Newcastle manager, Eddie Howe couldn’t categorically state that Isak would be part of the team next season; indeed, he was not part of the team’s preseason fixture.
Transfer Expert, Fabrizio Romano had previously provided an update via his verified X account regarding Liverpool’s interest in Alexander Isak.
He wrote:
“🚨🔴 Liverpool have again confirmed to Newcastle intention to present record bid for Alexander Isak, as revealed on Tuesday.
The proposal is ready for £120m package but will only be sent if Newcastle change their stance, always been… not for sale.”
Softfootball reported that Isak was left out of Newcastle United’s travelling squad for their Asian tour. Hours later, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, via his verified X handle, revealed that the player wants to leave the club.
Romano stated:
“BREAKING: Alexander Isak has informed Newcastle of his desire to explore a move this summer. Club aware of player’s plans and will now decide how to move, as
“@CraigHope_DM reports. Newcastle have already re-started exploring a move for a top striker in the market.”
Isak’s timing is baffling, particularly as we are just a few weeks away from the kickoff of a new season. Even more baffling is the fact that clubs that would like his services had already moved on to other expensive targets.
Arsenal, who had admired him for a long time, have moved to sign Viktor Gyokeres. Liverpool, as stated earlier, has signed Hugo Ekitike. Chelsea could be interested, but they have already signed Joao Pedro and Liam Delap, and they still have Jackson on their books.
That leaves Manchester United. However, the former Premier League champions are not a particularly attractive destination for Isak at this point, as they are not participating in the Champions League this season and it’s not looking likely that they’ll qualify for it next season either.
Report has it that Isak wants to remain in the Premier League, so travelling abroad is not an option. Also, it is believed that he likes Barcelona; however, the Spanish champions lack the financial muscle to tackle such a deal.
So who really needs Isak? Well, nearly every team mentioned will be glad to have Isak in their team, and he will improve them almost instantly; however, for most of them, it does not make financial sense at this point in the transfer window to engage in such a venture.
However, Liverpool is believed to have the capability to do this transfer despite their already huge financial outlay in the transfer window, so do Liverpool need Isak? The answer is YES.
The Anfield side needs to future-proof itself against the inevitable decline or departure of Mo Salah, and at 25 years old, Isak is basically at the beginning of his prime. Ekitike is a good striker, but he is not in the league of Isak.
It is not inconceivable that Isak remain at Newcastle in the coming season and makes his move next summer. Another good season in the PL and Champions League will only increase his value.
