Alexander Isak’s outstanding form for Newcastle United this season has caught the attention of some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Arsenal, Liverpool, and Barcelona.
The Swedish forward has scored 19 Premier League goals and boasts 22 goals across all competitions, making him one of the most in-demand strikers in world football. However, despite Newcastle’s firm stance against selling their star, Isak’s contract situation may open the door for a potential summer exit.
Newcastle’s Firm Stance on Isak’s Future
Newcastle chief executive Darren Eales has strongly dismissed the idea of selling Isak, emphasizing the club’s long-term vision:
“We’re not under the gun to sell any of our key players – it would be crazy to consider it,” Eales stated.
“We know he’s a world‑class player and others covet him. But it’s annoying because it’s almost as if we’re seen as a club in the next category down and it’s fair game to talk about our players leaving.”
Isak signed a contract until 2028, meaning Newcastle are not under immediate pressure to cash in. However, the club’s financial constraints could play a role in the striker’s long-term future.
Could Isak’s Salary Demands Lead to an Exit?
Despite his elite-level performances, Isak is reportedly earning £140,000 per week—a figure that is less than half of what Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Manchester City’s Erling Haaland make.
According to The Times, Newcastle “cannot compete” with the wages offered by Europe’s wealthiest clubs, and contract talks over a possible new deal for Isak are expected to take place this summer.
However, Newcastle’s ability to offer a bigger contract is limited by the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), which restrict excessive spending beyond a club’s revenue.
Eales has criticized the PSR system, claiming it favors clubs with higher revenues and limits Newcastle’s growth potential:
“PSR is supposed to be about sustainability, but it’s a system that favors those with bigger revenues.”
“We could put funds into an extra account to show we wouldn’t go bust, but under the current rules, we have to grow incrementally.”
While Newcastle remain defiant, their financial limitations may make it difficult to meet Isak’s expected wage demands.
Who Could Sign Isak?
Several top clubs are monitoring the situation closely, including:
🔴 Arsenal
- Have been long-time admirers of Isak.
- Lack a world-class No. 9, making him an ideal signing.
- Mikel Arteta’s side desperately need a prolific goalscorer.
🔵 Barcelona
- View Isak as the perfect successor to Robert Lewandowski.
- Financial struggles make a big-money move difficult, but they remain interested.
🔴 Liverpool
- Have entered the race for Isak as they prepare for a potential squad rebuild.
- Could see him as a long-term replacement for Salah or Darwin Nunez.
Will Isak Stay or Leave?
While Newcastle insist Isak is not for sale, PSR constraints and wage demands could force the club to reconsider in the summer. If Arsenal, Barcelona, or Liverpool offer a massive salary package, it could tempt Isak to push for a move.
For now, Newcastle remain determined to keep their star striker, but as the summer transfer window approaches, the interest from Europe’s elite will only grow stronger.
