Newcastle receive 10-word Alexander Isak warning to leave Liverpool response non-negotiable
Newcastle United Sent Firm Warning Over Alexander Isak Amid Liverpool Interest
Newcastle United’s ownership has been handed a blunt and emphatic warning—ten words long—that echoes across Tyneside: “Do not sell Alexander Isak at any price to Liverpool.” The Magpies have already turned down a mammoth offer reportedly worth up to £120 million, submitted by Liverpool on Friday for the Swedish striker. However, that bid still falls £30 million short of Newcastle’s £150 million valuation, a price tag set to reflect both Isak’s importance to the team and his enormous potential.
Isak, who was Newcastle’s top scorer in the 2024/25 Premier League season with 23 goals, has been notably absent from the club’s current pre-season tour of Asia. Instead, he has been training separately at his former club, Real Sociedad, which has only fueled speculation surrounding his future. While no transfer has materialized yet, the general consensus is that Liverpool are preparing to return with an improved offer for the 25-year-old forward.
Former Newcastle striker and assistant coach Dean Saunders, speaking passionately on talkSPORT, urged the club to hold their ground and not be swayed by the money being thrown around. Saunders, who served on the coaching staff under Graeme Souness, warned that selling Isak would be devastating for supporters. He bluntly remarked, “It’s just like punching all the supporters in the stomach.”
He elaborated further, criticizing Newcastle’s summer dealings thus far:
“Newcastle haven’t exactly had the most inspiring transfer window. Losing someone like Isak would just be a massive setback. How do you replace a player like that in today’s market? You can’t just pluck someone off the shelf with 20+ goals in their locker.”
Saunders pointed out that Isak remains under contract until 2027, and with Newcastle’s wealthy ownership, there is no financial pressure to sell.
“He’s got three years left. If the club wants to be ambitious, they can simply say, ‘You’re not leaving.’ It’s that simple,” he said. “This isn’t a selling club anymore—or at least it shouldn’t be.”
Newcastle splashed out a then-record £63 million to sign Isak from Real Sociedad in 2022, and while the La Liga club is entitled to 10% of any profit from a future sale, the Magpies are under no obligation to part ways with their star striker unless their conditions are met.
Head coach Eddie Howe has made it clear throughout the summer that Isak remains central to his plans. Speaking previously to ChronicleLive, Howe reiterated:
“He’s our player. He’s contracted to us. To a large extent, we control his future. I want him here. That’s my wish, but we’ll have to see how things unfold.”
Meanwhile, Isak’s teammate Anthony Gordon showed solidarity with the Swede, acknowledging the emotional toll such transfer speculation can take.
“It’s not easy,” said Gordon. “People forget that behind all the headlines and negotiations, you’re still a person. He’s going through a lot emotionally, and so is the club. I just hope it works out in a way where everyone involved feels content.”
Adding another voice to the conversation, Newcastle legend and current club ambassador Shola Ameobi sought to reassure fans about the direction the club is taking. Speaking during the pre-season tour, the Nigerian forward emphasized that the club’s long-term goals remain unchanged despite recent distractions.
“At this level, you’re going to attract interest in your best players,” Ameobi acknowledged. “That’s part of playing at the top. But from what I’ve seen, the ownership is as ambitious as ever. They’re doing everything possible to push this club forward, and that won’t change because of a transfer saga.”
He added: “Having grown up with this club, it’s refreshing to see a united vision. The manager, the board, the execs—they’re all on the same page. They want silverware. They want progress. And they’re not going to let anyone or anything derail that.”
For now, Newcastle are standing firm. Whether Liverpool are willing to meet the eye-watering asking price for Isak remains to be seen. But with passionate voices inside and outside the club urging the Magpies to resist any temptation to sell, the message is clear: Alexander Isak is seen not just as a key player—but as a symbol of Newcastle’s ongoing transformation into a top Premier League force.