Although Liverpool appear to have moved on from Isak, having been informed by Newcastle that he is not for sale, their approach has reportedly left a mark on the player.
He has been left unsettled by their approach, according to The Telegraph, with Eddie Howe confirming that he did not play in Newcastle‘s friendly against Celtic because of it.
It can reportedly be traced back to when Isak was offered fresh terms in 2024. He was promised a new deal by former Newcastle co-owner Amanda Staveley and was looking forward to committing his future to the club.
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However, the Magpies decided not to open talks because Isak still had multiple years left on his existing deal. They also needed to be careful with their money due to Premier League financial rules, meaning it would be difficult to propose a huge salary.
It was said to have caused friction within Isak’s camp, with his agent feeling ‘insulted’ that an offer did not arrive on the table.
The report adds that Newcastle are planning to hand the striker a new deal once the speculation over his future dies down. Club officials are still adamant that he is not for sale under any circumstances.
Liverpool are not the only club to have been linked with a big-money move for Isak this summer. It has also been reported that Al-Hilal are plotting an ambitious bid to bring him to the Saudi Pro League.
They are owned by the Public Investment Fund, the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia which also holds a majority stake in Newcastle, but this would not pose any issues regarding a potential transfer.
Isak played 34 league games for Newcastle last season, chipping in with 23 goals. He is currently tied down until the summer of 2028 and is thought to be earning around £120,000 per week.
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Content Source: www.express.co.uk