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13 hours ago
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Newcastle United has officially turned down a formal offer from Liverpool for their centre-forward Alexander Isak, according to the reports from The Athletic.
Liverpool had first approached Newcastle through informal conversations and expressed their interest in a deal worth around £120m [$160m], but after those discussions stalled, the Merseyside club submitted a formal proposal.
Newcastle’s response has been immediate and firm with the club making it clear that they have no intention of selling the 25-year-old striker, who remains under contract until 2028.
While Eddie Howe’s squad travelled to South Korea for their pre-season tour, Isak stayed behind and has instead been training at the Zubieta facilities of Real Sociedad, the Spanish club where he played for three years before making a £60m [$79m] move to Newcastle in 2022.
Officially, the club explained his absence by citing a minor thigh issue, but according to reports it was Isak’s personal choice to skip the tour.
Reportedly, his representatives have made it clear to the club that he has no plans to continue in the northeast.
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The striker scored 27 goals in the last season, including one in the Carabao Cup final win over Liverpool.
The Reds are not expected to face any issues agreeing personal terms with Isak, but convincing Newcastle to sell remains the biggest challenge.
Now, as the tension builds, here’s what Eddie Howe said before the bid came in.
What Eddie Howe recently said about Alexander Isak situation?
Speaking to reporters during Newcastle’s pre-season tour in South Korea, manager Eddie Howe said, “He is still our player. He's contracted to us. We, to a degree, control what is next for him.”
He added, “I would love to believe all possibilities are still available to us. My wish is that he stays, but that's not in my full control.”
Addressing interest from other clubs at the time, Howe was clear, saying, “We have not received a formal offer for Alex, from any club. My wish is that he stays and we see him playing again next year.”
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