Newcastle United have slapped a staggering £150 million valuation on star striker Alexander Isak, sending shockwaves through the Premier League transfer market after manager Eddie Howe’s fiery remarks about growing transfer speculation.
Liverpool are aggressively pursuing the Swedish international, having already prepared a £120 million bid, but Newcastle’s revised asking price could see them break the Premier League transfer record, currently held by Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez (£106m).
Isak’s omission from Newcastle’s squad in their 4-0 defeat to Celtic has intensified rumours. Howe admitted post-match:
“It was my decision. There’s a lot of speculation around him and I didn’t want him sitting in the stands. But I believe he’ll still be with us when the window closes.”
Howe didn’t hide his admiration, labelling Isak “irreplaceable” and crucial to Newcastle’s ambitions:
“Top-level players are rare. We recognise his immense value and we’re doing everything to keep him.”
Newcastle have so far only signed Anthony Elanga (£52m) this summer, while Liverpool are simultaneously chasing Hugo Ekitike, though the French striker is reportedly leaning towards Anfield.
With Newcastle standing firm, the ball is now in Liverpool’s court — will they break the bank for Isak or pivot elsewhere? The transfer window just got a lot more dramatic.
