Alexander Isak has reportedly asked to explore potential transformations away from Newcastle this summer.
The Swedish striker did not join the team for the pre-season tour in Asia, and his leadership has been understood to have informed him of his wishes about leaving St James Park.
The 25-year-old reported a thigh problem earlier this week, and the club said it was the reason for his absence from Singapore and South Korea.
However, the report shows that behind the scenes, Newcastle’s hierarchy is fully aware that Isak wants to evaluate his options in this transfer window.
Newcastle has three years left and is still in a strong position on the contract.
Club CEO Darren Eales had previously said in March that ISAK’s new contract will be a topic of discussion after the end of the season. However, for the moment, the striker and his representatives reportedly stick to any new promises.
Liverpool has shown a strong interest in the prolific striker and is said to be considering bids to make ISAK the most expensive player in British football history.
The £150 million fee may be enough to prompt a deal to be concluded.
Newcastle doesn’t want to sell
Despite growing speculation, Newcastle’s head coach Eddie Howe and the club’s ownership are still keen to keep its star striker.
Their preference is to open talks on postponement – even if that leads to a transfer next summer rather than now.
This situation is still on the table. But Liverpool’s interest – or any other club willing to match Newcastle’s overrated rating, combined with Isak’s desire to consider taking action, could speed up negotiations in the coming weeks.
Newcastle defeated the Celtics 4-0 in the recent friendly match, and Howe explained that Isak was also allowed to return home.
The manager said the decision was partly due to diversion noise, and also to help “manage his meeting minutes.”
Under Howe’s guidance, Isak has become one of the most popular strikers in Europe. Since arriving at Tyneside, he has won 62 goals in 109 appearances, becoming a key figure in the Hippies revival.
Any potential departure could order record amounts, surpassing the £116 million Liverpool landing from Bayer Leverkusen to Florian Wirtz last month.
