Ending their 70-year wait for a piece of silverware back in March as they were crowned EFL Cup champions thanks to a famous 2-1 victory against Liverpool at Wembley, Newcastle signed off the 2024/25 campaign in the midst of another fairytale.
Booking a lucrative Champions League return and welcoming Anthony Elanga to St. James’ Park following a £55million move from Nottingham Forest, it appeared the mood in Eddie Howe’s camp was at a continued high.
However, getting their summer preparations underway with a 4-0 drumming against Celtic last week, the Magpies have also been rocked by the news that their attacking talisman is desperately seeking a move away from the North East.
While Alexander Isak might have cemented himself as the leading man since arriving from Real Sociedad in the summer of 2022, both parties are suddenly at the heart of a messy and public divorce.
With Howe now publicly stating that the Swedish superstar will not be part of Newcastle’s summer pre-season plans, it appears this will be the decisive week in the Isak saga.
A sad St. James’ departure now expected
Registering 23 Premier League strikes last season and only finishing behind Liverpool icon Mohamed Salah in the Golden Boot race, Isak has only continued to underline his status as one of world football’s most clinical marksmen.
Almost becoming a modern era icon at St. James’ Park since arriving in the North East three years ago, Newcastle were quietly confident earlier in the year that the 25-year-old would put pen to paper on a new deal.
However, despite firing Howe’s side to a famous Champions League return and getting on the scoresheet as Newcastle were crowned EFL Cup champions on March 16th, Isak suddenly finds himself at the heart of a major summer saga.
Committed to what has become a messy divorce from the Magpies and infamously burning plenty of bridges, it has been suggested that the former Sociedad starlet is intent on pushing through a blockbuster move to Liverpool.
While the reigning Premier League champions might have already broken a string of financial records this summer, it has been reported that Arne Slot’s side are still keen on completing what would be another sensational arrival at Anfield.
Despite already spending over £250million and announcing the arrival of Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike just last week, it has been suggested that Slot’s side are eyeing up a remarkable £150million move for Isak.
🚨 Alexander Isak wants to leave Newcastle United. Absence from Celtic friendly + Asia tour 25yo’s preference. #NUFC keen for Sweden international striker to stay on improved deal but also exploring potential replacements @TheAthleticFC after @CraigHope_DM https://t.co/G0iGNiJPrC
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) July 24, 2025
Newcastle identify their key Isak replacement
With Howe stating over the weekend that Isak will not be part of his pre-season squad which is travelling around South Korea this summer, it appears almost inevitable that Isak will be on his way out of St. James’ Park.
While Newcastle might have made it abundantly clear that they will not be bullied into accepting any kind of cut-price deal, the Magpies are already exploring their dream Isak replacements.
Although discussions over a potential move for Brentford marksman Yoane Wissa might have stalled over the past week, it has been suggested that Newcastle have started to advance in talks over their standout summer target.
While it might have appeared earlier in the month that Benjamin Sesko might have been on his way to Arsenal, Howe’s side are a long-term admirer of the RB Leipzig ace and they feel that they can still tempt the 22-year-old into completing a Premier League switch.
With the Slovenian international notching 13 Bundesliga strikes last season, it has also been suggested that discussions over personal terms have already taken place.
🚨⚪️⚫️ Understand Newcastle are attentive to Benjamin Šeško situation at RB Leipzig with Isak now keen on exit.#NUFC informed on Šeško deal costs while working on multiple deals including Wissa from Brentford. pic.twitter.com/z2cQJeRgty
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 24, 2025
