'Newcastle braced for tough negotiation' as Liverpool ready Alexander Isak move
Previous discussions over a new deal hit the rocks last year (2024) but with interest ramping up, the Magpies are keen to secure his St James’ Park.
The ex-Real Sociedad star has hit 19 goals in 29 games across all competitions this term.
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – has lifted the lid on what Isak could ask for to pledge his future to Newcastle.
Speaking on the new edition of 's Inside Track podcast, Wyness insisted the Sweden international may need to play in the Champions League if he is to stay.
revealed on Sunday (16 February) that Liverpool's interest in Isak is "genuine" and "very strong".
Wyness insisted getting back to the elite European competition will make a “big difference” for Newcastle, but conceded it is looking “tough” for Eddie Howe’s men – who sit seventh in the table.
He told 's Insider Track podcast: "He's attracting a lot of attention, it's going to be a tough negotiation.
"Newcastle are obviously desperate to keep hold of him.
"I think Champions League football will make a big difference, and Newcastle would probably have to give him a new contract on the back of that – if they can do it.
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| 2022-23 | 27 | 10 (2) |
| 2023-24 | 40 | 25 (2) |
| 2024-25 | 29 | 19 (5) |
"I see Liverpool are now joining the race as one of the big suitors for him. If he keeps fit, there's no doubt Newcastle will have to pull something out of the bag to keep him.
"Football terms, he would like Champions League football to stay – I think. But that is getting tough for Newcastle, they've had some bad results recently.
"They've got to kick on. There's a lot in the balance, and he's got a big target on his back for other clubs."
Football Insider revealed on Tuesday (18 February) that Liverpool could offer Darwin Nunez in part-exchange for Isak.
Newcastle want well in excess of £100million for their star man – who is also wanted by Arsenal – but sources say the Reds will look to sweeten the deal by including Nunez in a player-plus-cash offer.
Nunez has scored six goals and supplied five assists in 34 appearances across all competitions this term.
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The post 'Newcastle braced for tough negotiation' as Liverpool ready Alexander Isak move appeared first on Football Insider.
