Newcastle would have set a new price that Liverpool must match if they want to sign Alexander Isak this summer.
Isak, 25, was the subject of Liverpool’s interest this week, the two clubs also fighting for the attacker of Eintracht Francfurt, Hugo Ekitike, who now seems to join the Reds despite a reported offer of 70 million pounds from Newcastle.
The interest in a decision by Isak seemed to have cooled, but earlier in the day, the Swedish international was omitted from the Eddie Howe team for the 4-0 defeat of the Magpies against Celtic in Glasgow, in Scotland.
It was initially reported that the reason was distinct from the player’s future, the club insisting that the decision was made to manage its pre-season minutes following a recurring groin problem.
However, Howe added fuel to rumors and panic among Newcastle fans with a strange post-match interview with Celtic Park.
“It was my decision,” said Howe.
“He returned to Glasgow with us, but I decided to send him home because of the speculation around him.
“The last thing he wanted is to sit in the stand, it was not fair for him. But I am convinced that he will be a Newcastle player at the end of the window.”
He added: “Yes, I had discussions with him, but it is not abnormal.
“I respect a player’s career and how much it’s short. Alex was really good, he is very well trained and I realize that there will be noise around him.”
Later Saturday, The telegraph said the Premier League champions were ready to pay 120 million pounds Sterling for Isak.
However, Newcastle “ `stiring in their evaluation of 150 million pounds sterling despite the fact that it was largely reported that the club saw it as a value of 120 million pounds sterling.
The evaluation proposed by Newcastle of Isak is more than the highest transfer costs paid by a Premier League club – currently the 106 million pounds of Chelsea paid Benfica for Enzo Fernandez in 2023.
The northeast of the club has signed only one first team player so far this summer, with the right winger Anthony Elaga arriving from Nottingham Forest in an agreement worth 52 million pounds Sterling.
Howe has described Isak as “irreplaceable” after the poor performance of his team in Glasgow.
“I would say that we have some irreplaceable players,” said Howe.
“Your best players are so difficult to find. They are so difficult to recruit and develop and make these players.
“When you have them, you have to cherish them. We are certainly as staff recognizing their talent and capacity. We are desperate to keep it as part of our team.
“It is difficult for me to sit here and give 100% clarity on a player. I never sat here and I would do that. It’s football, and you never know what can happen. All I can say is that Alex is happy in Newcastle, he loves players and staff, and the team. ”
(Tagstotranslate) Alexander Isak (T) Newcastle United (T) Liverpool (T) Transfer News (T) Premier League (T) Football (T) Eddie Howe