Latest news with #Tyneside
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Newcastle braced for Liverpool offer for Alexander Isak as Bayern Munich's Luis Diaz breakthrough paves way for fresh approach - with Eddie Howe making telling admission on star striker's future
Newcastle are braced for a formal offer from Liverpool for Alexander Isak this week after Eddie Howe revealed there is no chance of their want-away striker joining the squad here in the Far East. The 25-year-old is on Tyneside after ruling himself out of the club's pre-season tour with a thigh injury. Subsequent scans were thought to be clear but he will remain at home. Isak wants to join Liverpool and, with the Premier League champions set to bank £65million from the sale of Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich, an official approach is now expected. That will leave Newcastle's owners with a decision to make, as Howe admitted this weekend. They must choose between negotiating and extracting maximum value for the player, or refuse all offers and tell Isak he is staying. Even within the camp here in Singapore, opinion is split as to which approach is best for the club. The message from above remains that they want to keep their best players, but Isak making it clear he wants to go could force the owners into making a business decision, especially if Liverpool's offer approaches £150million. After confirming to Mail Sport that Isak will not be joining the team in South Korea during the next seven days, Howe addressed the issue of his players being distracted by the situation. 'It's business as usual for the players,' said the Newcastle boss. 'Naturally we're going to miss a player of Alex's quality and the group are going to feel that. 'There's no denying that. I can't sit here and claim that they won't. But they're a very a professional group of players and they're doing brilliantly as far as I can see in terms of managing the situation.' Newcastle remain in talks for Brentford's Yoane Wissa, while RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko, Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins and Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson are also on the shortlist. Howe, speaking after Sunday's 3-2 defeat by Arsenal, added: 'We're not deluded. 'We know we need to bring players in. We've known that for a long time. We did a lot of work (at the end of last season), we knew what we wanted. But it's been a challenging transfer window. Let's see what we can do.'
New York Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Newcastle ‘not deluded' and recognise need for summer transfers
Newcastle United are 'not deluded' and recognise the urgent need for transfer reinforcements ahead of the new season, Eddie Howe insists. Alexander Isak was absent for Newcastle's 3-2 friendly defeat against Arsenal in Singapore and the striker will not join his team-mates in South Korea this week. Newcastle announced that Isak did not travel due to a minor thigh injury, but The Athletic has reported that the 25-year-old's preference was that he did not join the East Asia tour. Advertisement Anthony Elanga, who scored at the Singapore National Stadium on his full debut, is Newcastle's only summer signing so far and Howe admitted last weekend that the club have 'missed out' on a number of top targets. Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool), Bryan Mbeumo (Manchester United), Liam Delap, Joao Pedro (both Chelsea), Dean Huijsen (Real Madrid) and James Trafford (Manchester City) have moved elsewhere, rather than Tyneside, during the current window. Howe desires a centre-half, a goalkeeper and a striker — or two, should Isak depart — and possibly a midfielder, following Sean Longstaff's exit to Leeds United. Their need is particularly acute up front, with Will Osula, the 21-year-old, starting the opening two pre-season friendlies, and Sean Neave, the 18-year-old academy graduate, replacing him in each match. Callum Wilson left at the end of June once his contract expired and, after failing to acquire any of Joao Pedro, Delap or Ekitike, Newcastle are currently in talks to bring in Yoane Wissa from Brentford, though they are yet to strike an agreement. 'Of course, we're not deluded,' Howe said, when asked if Newcastle need to bring in attacking reinforcements. 'We know that we need to bring players in, we've known that for a long time. 'At the tail end of last season, we did all the work we wanted. It's been a challenging transfer window, let's see what we can do.' Howe was unable to provide an update on Isak's situation, beyond confirming that the striker will not join Newcastle in East Asia. Isak has been the subject of interest from Liverpool. 'It's business as usual for the players,' Howe said. 'You don't get a chance when you come on to these tours to think of anything other than training, the next game, the level is so high. 'Even in these games, we have to be very well prepared. We have to try and be at our best. So, naturally, I think we're going to miss a player of our best quality and the group are going to feel that. There's no denying that. I can't sit here and claim that they won't. 'But a very professional group of players and they're doing brilliant as far as I can see in terms of managing the situation.' Howe has cut a frustrated figure in Singapore — and understandably so, given how this summer continues to drift from one disappointment to another. Elanga signing was the exception because, aside from that, Newcastle have failed to acquire any of their other priority targets, have been operating without a sporting director, have an outgoing (and sick) CEO serving his notice, and their star striker has communicated his desire to leave. Advertisement While Howe has repeatedly stressed that Newcastle must end the window stronger than they started it, that outcome is appearing increasingly remote. Even if Isak stays, which is far from certain, Newcastle have had to repeatedly redraw their transfer list and move on to targets lower down in terms of preference. There are still some very good players out there who Newcastle are looking to sign, Wissa among them, and they will undoubtedly make further additions, yet uncertainty continues to grip this club. Progress has to be made, and quickly in multiple areas: on the CEO, on the sporting director, on transfers and on Isak. Only then can Newcastle wrestle back the immense positive momentum they generated during an historic 2024-25 campaign. ()
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Newcastle tracking forward options as Isak to Liverpool gathers pace
Newcastle's Forward Planning: Isak Uncertainty Sparks Interest in Larsen and Sesko Isak Future Prompts Transfer Contingencies One of the summer's most intriguing transfer sagas could be set to unfold on Tyneside. Newcastle United's talismanic striker, Alexander Isak, is attracting strong interest from Liverpool, prompting the Magpies to plan for a possible departure, according to the Express & Star. The outlet reports that 'Isak could be set to leave the Magpies this transfer window, with a move to Liverpool a possibility.' Jorgen Strand Larsen on Radar With contingency planning in full swing, Newcastle are reportedly eyeing Wolves' striker Jorgen Strand Larsen. The Express & Star reveal that 'Newcastle United have strong interest in Wolves' Jorgen Strand Larsen as a possible replacement for Alexander Isak.' Admired by many in the Premier League, the Norwegian forward has become a standout figure in Wolves' attack, yet the Midlands club appear unmoved. 'Wolves have not been contacted by Newcastle about Larsen's availability, while the club have no interest in allowing the striker to leave this summer,' the article adds. Photo IMAGO Sesko and Wissa Considered RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko is another name being considered, with Newcastle 'targeting RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko, who has been linked with several European clubs this summer.' Meanwhile, Brentford's Yoane Wissa remains on their watchlist. As the Express & Star highlights, 'the North East club could make a move for more than one forward if Isak departs and Larsen is among a number of potential options.' Transfer Dominoes Could Fall Quickly It is a delicate waiting game. Newcastle's strategy depends entirely on whether Liverpool formalise their interest in Isak. For now, Larsen remains a wanted man, albeit untouchable in the eyes of Wolves. Our View – EPL Index This report will stir plenty of excitement and apprehension among the Geordie faithful. Losing Isak would undoubtedly sting. He has been central to Newcastle's resurgence and European push. But the mention of Liverpool's interest does make you wonder if the club is resigned to a blockbuster exit. There's reason for hope, though. 'Newcastle are targeting RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko, who has been linked with several European clubs this summer,' suggests the club has its eyes on top-tier talent. Sesko is dynamic, raw, and full of upside. If paired with a player like Larsen, the duo could even rival Isak's individual impact. Jorgen Strand Larsen has the profile Newcastle fans can get behind. Hard-working, physical, and clever in possession. 'It is believed the Premier League side are admirers of the Norwegian and are considering a move for him this summer,' signals a real intent to strengthen rather than simply replace. Wissa is a curious name, less glamorous than the others, but Premier League proven. You can't fault the scouting net being cast wide. If Liverpool do get Isak, fans will expect serious investment in attack. But knowing our board, they'll act fast. The plan seems in place. We're just waiting for the first domino to fall.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Liverpool Remain Keen On Signing This Newcastle United Centre-Forward: What Will He Bring To Anfield?
In a recent post on X, renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano mentioned that Liverpool remain keen on signing Newcastle United centre-forward Alexander Isak. It has been revealed that the Reds are still showing interest in the Swedish striker and could move in for him if they sell Luis Diaz this summer. Isak's Impressive Form In English Football Isak had a productive campaign at the Tyneside club after he put in a string of impressive performances as the focal point of their attack. The Sweden international made 42 appearances for Newcastle last season, scoring 27 times and securing six assists on all fronts. The 25-year-old led the line well in the opponent's half based on his average of 3.1 shots per 90 minutes in the Premier League. He kept 43.2% of his attempts on target. Isak was even accurate when distributing possession in the final third, as evidenced by his pass completion rate of 75.3% in the English top tier (stats via Isak's current contract at the Tyneside club will run out in the summer of 2028. Hence, Liverpool would have no choice but to meet Newcastle's demands for their prized asset. BRIGHTON, ENGLAND – MAY 04: Alexander Isak of Newcastle United in action during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion FC and Newcastle United FC at Amex Stadium on May 04, 2025 in Brighton, England. (Photo by) What Will Isak Bring To Liverpool? Isak excels at finding a yard of space for himself to get some strikes in at goal. He has got the eye to create the odd chance for his teammates in the final third and is a good dribbler with the ball. The Swedish talent can even use his strong 1.92m frame to win a few aerial duels for his team. He has proven his worth as a consistent performer in the Premier League and is good enough to make an immediate impact at Liverpool if they can find a way to get a deal done for him this summer. Isak would bring more firepower to Liverpool boss Arne Slot's defence. He has what it takes to help the Reds compete for a lot of major trophies in the coming years. At 25, Isak has his best years ahead of him which makes him a good choice for the Merseyside club to consider in this transfer window. Therefore, Liverpool would be wise to go all out to bring the Sweden international on board ahead of the new campaign.
BBC News
4 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Could Sesko step into Isak's boots?
Newcastle are exploring a move for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko in case Alexander Isak leaves this summer - as BBC Sport's Sami Mokbel reports – but is he the man to fill the Sweden international's sizeable shoes on Tyneside?Isak found the net 27 times in 42 games last term and is playing arguably the best football of his 25-year-old has notched 44 league goals over the past two seasons – a tally only bettered by six players in Europe's top five divisions, including Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane and Mohamed he wasn't always so he first joined Newcastle for a club record fee of £63m in 2022 he had scored just six league goals for Real Sociedad in the previous season - which was under his expected goals total of was just 22 then and Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe was keen to stress that he saw the Swede as an "outstanding talent" rather than the finished article. The same can be said of Leipzig's 22-year-old Sesko, although the numbers suggest he is a more rounded player at the same overperformed his expected goals total by 6.3 in 2023-24 and by 3.1 during the last campaign, in which he converted an excellent 19.1% of his Slovenia international also holds a physical at close to 6ft 5in, Sesko contested almost double the number of aerial duels last season than Isak did in 2021-22, and won 11.4% is also deceptively quick, recording a top speed of 35.7 km/h in 2024-25, placing him among the Bundesliga's fastest attacking and follow your Premier League club on BBC Sport
