**Alexander Isak** has shaken up Newcastle United’s summer plans by laying down firm conditions for remaining at the club—amid serious transfer interest from **Liverpool** and **Al-Hilal** of Saudi Arabia.
After a spectacular 2024/25 campaign, where the Swedish striker netted **23 goals** and played a pivotal role in Newcastle’s **Carabao Cup triumph**, Isak has quickly become one of the most sought-after forwards in world football.
### **Liverpool’s Interest Cools After Ekitike Deal**
Isak has long been admired by **Arne Slot**, with the new Liverpool manager reportedly considering the 25-year-old as his top attacking target for the summer window. However, the Reds have now shifted their focus, completing a **£79 million deal** for **Hugo Ekitike** from Eintracht Frankfurt—an indication that they may be stepping back from the Isak pursuit, at least for now.
### **Saudi Giants Enter the Race**
Meanwhile, interest from **Saudi Arabia** continues to grow, with **Al-Hilal** reportedly receiving the green light to open talks with Isak. His agent, **Gonzalo Gaitan**, confirmed to Saudi outlet *Arriyadiyah* that all options are being considered, hinting that a major decision may be on the horizon.
> “We are indeed studying and analysing all options, and we may be close to finalising the next step for the player,” Gaitan said.
> “Without revealing any details regarding whether Isak will transfer or stay with Newcastle.”
### **Isak’s £300,000-per-week Contract Demand**
In a move that has stunned Newcastle’s hierarchy, Isak has reportedly told the club that he will only sign a new contract if he is offered **£300,000 per week**, according to **talkSPORT**. Such a figure would completely shatter the club’s current wage structure and could trigger a domino effect—similar to the internal issues **Manchester United** faced when trying to manage inflated salaries.
Newcastle, operating under financial constraints following significant recent spending, now find themselves at a crossroads: either break their pay scale to retain their star striker or consider cashing in while his value is high.
### **Isak Omitted Amid Uncertainty**
Though Isak returned to pre-season training, he was left out of Newcastle’s recent **4-0 defeat to Celtic** in a friendly match. Manager **Eddie Howe** addressed the absence, clarifying that the decision to send Isak home was precautionary, given the ongoing transfer speculation.
> “It was my decision,” Howe told reporters.
> “He travelled to Glasgow with us but I decided to send him home due to the speculation around him. The last thing he wanted was to be sat in the stand watching – that wasn’t fair to him.”
Despite the swirling rumours, Howe remains optimistic that the striker will stay put.
> “I’m confident he will be a Newcastle player come the end of the window,” he said.
> “Your top players are so hard to find, so hard to recruit and so hard to develop. So when you have them, you need to treasure them.”
The manager also acknowledged having private discussions with Isak but insisted that such conversations are normal during a transfer window.
> “I respect a player’s career and how short it is,” he added.
> “Alex has been really good, he’s trained really well, and I realise there’ll be noise around him.”
### **What’s Next for Isak and Newcastle?**
With the summer window in full swing, the next few weeks could define Isak’s future. Newcastle now face a tough choice: match his massive wage demands, risk unsettling the squad financially, or cash in on one of their most valuable assets while interest remains high from both **Europe** and the **Middle East**.
One thing is certain—**Alexander Isak holds the cards**, and Newcastle’s response could shape not only their transfer window, but their ambitions for the upcoming season.
