Isak asks to explore move away from Newcastle with Liverpool frontrunners

Alexander Isak has asked to explore a potential move away from Newcastle this summer, according to reports.

The Swedish striker, who did not join the team on their pre-season tour of Asia, is understood to have informed the club’s leadership of his desire to leave St James’ Park.

The 25-year-old reported a thigh problem earlier in the week, which the club says is the reason for his absence from the trip to Singapore and South Korea.

However, reports suggest that behind the scenes, Newcastle’s hierarchy is fully aware of Isak’s wish to assess his options during this transfer window.

With three years remaining on his current deal, Newcastle remain in a strong position contractually.

Club CEO Darren Eales had previously stated in March that a new contract for Isak would be a topic of discussion once the season concluded. Yet, for now, the striker and his representatives are reportedly holding off on any new commitments.

Liverpool have shown significant interest in the prolific forward, and are said to be considering a bid that could make Isak the most expensive player in British football history.

A fee in the region of £150 million could be enough to prompt movement on a deal.

Newcastle Reluctant to Sell

Despite the growing speculation, Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe and the club’s ownership remain keen to keep hold of their star striker.

Their preference would be to open talks over a contract extension – even if that led to a possible transfer next summer instead of now.

That scenario is still on the table. But interest from Liverpool – or any other club willing to match Newcastle’s high valuation – combined with Isak’s desire to consider a move, could accelerate negotiations in the coming weeks.

Isak was also absent from Newcastle’s 4-0 defeat to Celtic in their recent friendly, with Howe explaining the player had been allowed to return home.

The manager said the decision was partly due to transfer noise and also to help “manage his minutes.”

Under Howe’s guidance, Isak has become one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe. Since arriving on Tyneside, he has netted 62 goals in 109 appearances, establishing himself as a key figure in the Magpies’ resurgence.

Any potential departure would likely command a record-breaking sum, surpassing the £116 million Liverpool spent last month to land Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen.