The Alexander Isak transfer saga has taken a fresh twist as Newcastle United have been dealt a blow in their search for a potential replacement.
Isak, who scored 27 goals for Newcastle last season, has reportedly told the club he wants to explore a move away from Tyneside this summer. The Swedish striker was left out of the club’s pre-season tour to Singapore, with a minor thigh problem cited as the official reason.
While Isak has turned down offers from Saudi Arabia, prioritizing European football, Liverpool are said to be the only club currently engaged in serious negotiations for the ex-Real Sociedad forward.
Manager Eddie Howe has publicly expressed his desire for Isak to remain at the club, praising the striker’s contributions—including his role in the Carabao Cup win over Liverpool. Despite insisting Isak is not for sale, Newcastle have been exploring forward options in case he leaves—but are facing challenges.
The Magpies had a bid rejected for Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, who is reportedly eager to follow teammates Bryan Mbeumo and Christian Norgaard out of the club after manager Thomas Frank’s exit. Journalist Ben Jacobs reports that Brentford have shut down the possibility of a transfer, despite Newcastle increasing their offer and offering Wissa the chance to play Champions League football.
Frustrated by the situation, Wissa is said to be refusing to train and feels Brentford have gone back on a promise by denying him a £26 million move. According to the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope, Wissa has told the club he won’t play for them again.
Brentford boss Keith Andrews confirmed Wissa has returned to London from their Portugal training camp, stating the decision was Wissa’s and related to ongoing transfer speculation. Andrews added that Wissa is expected to rejoin the squad next week.
Newcastle remain active in the market, also considering RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and, unexpectedly, Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson. They’ve already missed out on Hugo Ekitike, Joao Pedro, and James Trafford, with their only major signing so far being Anthony Elanga for £55 million from Nottingham Forest.
Meanwhile, contract negotiations with Isak have stalled, with his representatives reportedly demanding a wage of £300,000 per week—an amount that could be difficult for the club to meet.
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