Report: Newcastle stand firm amid Liverpool and Al Hilal interest in Alexander Isak

The Magpies have made it clear they are under no pressure to sell the 25-year-old Swedish international, who they value at a premium far exceeding 150 million pounds.

Football finance expert Stefan Borson, formerly with Manchester City, highlighted Newcastle's strong financial position, stating, "Newcastle are not in a normal situation. They are one of the few clubs in the world that can say no to 150 million pounds.

"They've got to consider what it would cost to replace him, and that's not straightforward."

Borson pointed out the risks of replacing Isak with an unproven talent like Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike, noting, "Ekitike is completely unproven in the Premier League and at Champions League level. He's not a complete gamble, but he's a big one, and could cost close to 100 million euros."

Newcastle's resolve was tested when they had a 70-million-euro bid for Ekitike rejected by Frankfurt, only for Liverpool to swiftly move in for the 23-year-old Frenchman.

Reports indicate Liverpool have advanced in talks for Ekitike, suggesting they are pivoting from Isak after Newcastle reiterated their "not for sale" stance. A post on X, claimed Liverpool have agreed personal terms with Ekitike, who has submitted a transfer request to push for a move to Anfield.

Despite Newcastle's firm position, speculation persists that Isak could force a transfer. Pete O'Rourke, Football Insider's chief correspondent, suggested, "The only way this situation changes is if Isak pushes for a move to Liverpool. That would give them real encouragement to get this deal done, despite Newcastle demanding a huge fee."

O'Rourke added, "I don't think Isak's shut the door on a potential move away, and that's probably the biggest concern for Newcastle."

Adding further intrigue, Al Hilal have emerged as a surprise contender, reportedly preparing a "massive offer" for Isak. A post on X claimed Isak has given an "initial green light" to discussions with the Saudi club, where he would work under manager Simone Inzaghi.

However, doubts remain about whether Isak would leave European football for the Saudi Pro League, given his status as one of the Premier League's top strikers, having scored 23 goals in 34 games last season.

Newcastle's manager Eddie Howe has expressed a desire to pair Isak with Ekitike in attack, rather than replace him, but financial constraints under Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) could complicate matters.

Borson noted, "Newcastle's commercial revenue streams still have catching up to do, and with big spending already on players like Anthony Elanga, they can't spend big without selling smartly."

As the transfer window heats up, Newcastle face a critical test of their ambition. Will they hold firm and keep their talisman, or could Isak's desire for a new challenge, whether at Anfield or in Riyadh, force their hand?

For now, the Magpies are digging in, but the coming weeks will reveal whether their resolve can withstand the pressure.