Alexander Isak wants out of Newcastle as Liverpool show interest

Newcastle United have been thrown into chaos after star striker Alexander Isak made it clear he wants to leave the club this summer.

The 25-year-old, who scored 27 goals in 42 appearances last season, has told the Magpies he is ready for a new challenge and has refused to join the team on their Far East pre-season tour.

While Newcastle claim the Swedish striker is sidelined with a thigh issue, reports suggest his absence is linked to his growing push for an exit.

Liverpool are leading the chase for his signature after seeing a £120 million bid rejected last week. The Premier League champions remain desperate to pair Isak with their £79m signing Hugo Ekitike, while Real Madrid and other top European clubs are monitoring the situation.

Club captain Bruno Guimaraes admitted losing Isak would be a massive blow:

“I’m really close to him. He’s a good guy. He’s been through some rough things at this moment… Of course he’s a top player for us and he’s going to be a miss on this trip. We need him ready as soon as possible.”

Defender Dan Burn added:

“That’s a question for Alex to answer. He’s obviously a big player for us, but we do have a lot of quality in the squad as well.”

Despite having three years left on his deal, Isak is reluctant to commit to a new £300,000-a-week package. Newcastle are holding firm, but have started lining up replacements, including RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Brentford striker Yoane Wissa.

With the new Premier League season just weeks away, the Isak saga is shaping up to be one of the biggest transfer battles of the summer.