With Newcastle close to securing the signature of Stuttgart striker Nick Woltemade, could there finally be a resolution to one of the window’s most drawn-out transfer sagas?
Isak’s Situation at St James’ Park
What started as whispers of discontent has quickly escalated into an ugly public stand-off. Isak has publicly accused Newcastle of breaking promises.
The Swede is yet to feature this season, with Eddie Howe himself admitting that the situation is “unhealthy”. It’s hard to see a way back for the striker who was once so revered by The Toon Army.
For a player with three years left on his contract, it’s an extraordinary situation. Newcastle’s stance is clear – they won’t be bullied into a cut-price sale. Letting Isak walk away cheaply would set a dangerous precedent.
If Isak is to leave, Newcastle will demand their full valuation be met, and a replacement found. Woltemade is expected to join in the coming days, so it appears at least part of those conditions have been met.
Liverpool Linked
For players of Isak’s calibre, there are few realistic transfer options at the best of times. As we near the end of the summer transfer window, the list of possible destinations is rather short.
Barcelona remain financially shackled. Real Madrid’s forward line is settled. Arsenal have secured Viktor Gyökeres. United spent big on Benjamin Šeško, Mathues Cunha and Bryan Mbuemo. Chelsea have signed João Pedro and Liam Delap. City are settled with Haaland, as Bayern are with Kane.
Liverpool are left as the lone heavyweight with the financial backing and desire to sign Isak – despite having already signed Hugo Ekitiké for €95m. A reported €130m bid was an expression of firm interest from the Premier League champions, but Newcastle are steadfast in holding out for closer to €180m.
Liverpool are expected to be back with a larger offer, bankrolled by the sales of Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and Jarell Quansah among others. But with Ekitike hitting the ground running, what if Liverpool decide against an improved bid?
The Saudi Solution
Isak has reportedly already received an offer from Al-Hilal – one of the four Saudi clubs owned by the same Public Investment Fund that holds the majority stake in Newcastle.
This interest was tipped before Al-Hilal bought Darwin Nunez, but they aren’t likely to be faced by budgetary constraints should an opportunity to sign Isak materialize. The proposed contract offer would see Isak become the league’s fifth-highest earner behind Ronaldo, Mane, Benzema and Mahrez.
A move to Saudi would be a career dead end, but his fractured relationship with Newcastle might leave him with little choice.
Osimhen’s Cautionary Tale
Isak needs only to study Victor Osimhen’s recent career to see that the grass is not always greener.
After years of being linked with Chelsea, Manchester United and PSG, the Nigerian striker instead found himself at Galatasaray. While the financial package was strong and Napoli received a respectable fee, it was a shock to see a player once courted by Europe’s biggest clubs ending up in the Turkish league whilst very much still in his prime.
Osimhen’s situation was different, but one lesson is clear. Once the leading clubs move on to other targets, the market for an elite striker can collapse alarmingly fast.
Isak risks finding himself in the same vacuum.
