Newcastle Alexander Isak Liverpool Chelsea Arsenal PSG

Where Next for Alexander Isak?

Jul 24, 2025 — 7 min read
Where Next for Alexander Isak?
Where next for Alexander Isak?

Newcastle United’s talismanic striker Alexander Isak has reportedly expressed his desire to explore a transfer away from St. James’ Park this summer.

The 25-year-old Swedish international, who has scored an impressive 62 goals in 109 appearances for the Magpies since his £63 million move from Real Sociedad in 2022, is one of the Premier League’s most coveted forwards.

With interest from Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal, Ligue 1 powerhouse Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), and Premier League heavyweights Liverpool, Arsenal, and Chelsea. Whichever club Isak chooses will give them a massive boost domestically and in Europe. Below are the main clubs compared:

Al-Hilal: A Lucrative Leap to the Saudi Pro League?

Al-Hilal, backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which also owns Newcastle, is reportedly preparing a massive offer to lure Isak to the Middle East, with discussions already underway with his representatives. Reports suggest Isak has shown initial openness to exploring this move.

Why Al-Hilal?
The financial package from Al-Hilal could dwarf Isak’s current £150,000-per-week wages at Newcastle. The Saudi Pro League has become a magnet for high-profile players, and Al-Hilal’s recent success, including knocking Manchester City out of the Club World Cup, highlights their growing ambition. For Isak, a move to Al-Hilal could offer a new challenge in a rapidly developing league, with the chance to be a marquee star in a project backed by immense resources. The lack of a conflict of interest between the PIF-owned clubs further smooths the path for negotiations.

Challenges of the Move
At just 25, Isak is in his prime and has established himself as a world-class striker in one of Europe’s top leagues. A move to Saudi Arabia, while lucrative, could be seen as a step away from the competitive intensity of European football and the chance to compete for major honors like the Premier League or Champions League. Such a move might raise questions about ambition, as it would be surprising for Isak to leave European soccer at this stage of his career.

Likelihood: Moderate. Al-Hilal’s financial muscle and Isak’s reported openness make this a plausible option, but his age and proven quality in the Premier League suggest he might prioritize staying in Europe.

Liverpool: The Dream Destination?

Liverpool have emerged as a prominent suitor for Isak, reportedly making a club-to-club approach to Newcastle for a deal around £120 million. The Premier League champions, fresh off a title-winning campaign, see Isak as the ideal addition to bolster their attack, particularly after the tragic loss of Diogo Jota. Isak’s proven Premier League record—54 goals in 86 games—and tactical versatility make him a perfect fit for Arne Slot’s system, where he could complement stars like Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz, and Cody Gakpo.

Why Liverpool?
Isak has reportedly informed Newcastle of his desire to explore a move, with Liverpool as a preferred destination. Personal terms are unlikely to be an issue, and Liverpool’s financial flexibility, with significant PSR headroom after a relatively quiet transfer window last year, means they could afford the £130-150 million fee Newcastle might demand. The club’s recent signings, including Florian Wirtz for £116 million and Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt for $106 million, show their willingness to invest heavily in elite talent, yet Isak’s unique profile could see him become the focal point of their attack.

Challenges of the Move
Newcastle’s firm stance that Isak is “not for sale” poses a significant hurdle. Despite Isak’s reported unrest—stemming from unfulfilled promises of a new contract and the departure of key figures like Amanda Staveley and Paul Mitchell—the Magpies are under no financial pressure to sell, having qualified for the Champions League. Liverpool’s recent signing of Ekitike could reduce the urgency for another striker, potentially complicating their pursuit, though they remain keen on Isak if Newcastle soften their stance and funds are raised, possibly through selling Luis Diaz.

Likelihood: Moderate. Liverpool’s ambition, financial capacity, and Isak’s apparent interest in joining the champions make Anfield a strong contender, though Newcastle’s resistance and the addition of Ekitike could drive the price to record-breaking levels.

Arsenal: A Transformative Signing for Arteta?

Arsenal have long admired Isak, with manager Mikel Arteta reportedly seeing him as the ideal forward to transform the Gunners’ attack. Isak has previously shown interest in a move to the Emirates, but financial constraints and their recent signing of Viktor Gyokeres could limit their ability to compete.

Why Arsenal?
Isak’s technical ability, agility, and clinical finishing align perfectly with Arteta’s vision of a dynamic, versatile forward. His ability to drift across the attacking third and create chances, as evidenced by his stunning assist against Everton in 2023, would add a new dimension to Arsenal’s attack alongside Gyokeres, who was signed from Sporting for £63.5 million. Isak’s proven Premier League pedigree could complement Gyokeres’ raw potential, creating a formidable striking partnership. The Gunners’ PSR headroom offers some flexibility, and a move for Isak could be a statement of intent to challenge Liverpool and Manchester City for the title. Arteta could make a compelling case that Isak is a rare player worth breaking the bank for.

Challenges of the Move
Arsenal’s budget is a significant obstacle. Having already invested £63.5 million in Gyokeres, a jump to Isak’s £120-150 million valuation seems improbable without major sales. Arsenal’s ownership prefers financial responsibility, which could cap their spending, and the addition of Gyokeres may reduce the urgency to sign another high-profile striker. Additionally, Newcastle’s reluctance to sell to a direct Premier League rival could complicate negotiations.

Likelihood: Low. Arsenal’s interest is genuine, but financial limitations, the recent signing of Gyokeres, and Newcastle’s stance make a move challenging unless significant funds are raised.

Chelsea: A Long Shot with Potential?

Chelsea’s interest in Isak is less concrete but has been linked due to co-owner Behdad Eghbali’s enthusiasm for player trading. The Blues have already bolstered their attack with Liam Delap and Joao Pedro this window, but Isak’s proven quality could tempt them to make a bold move.

Why Chelsea?
Isak’s profile as a technically gifted, physically imposing striker would fit well in Chelsea’s youthful, ambitious squad. A move to Stamford Bridge could offer Champions League football and a platform to compete for trophies. Chelsea’s financial resources, despite recent spending, could theoretically support a big-money move, especially if they offload players to balance PSR requirements.

Challenges of the Move
Signing Isak would require a significant adjustment to Chelsea’s wage structure, as his demands for a pay rise could disrupt their current model. With Delap and Pedro already signed, Chelsea’s need for another striker is less pressing, and there’s no strong indication of a move materializing. Newcastle’s high valuation and reluctance to sell to a rival further diminish the likelihood.

Likelihood: Low. Chelsea’s interest appears speculative, and their focus on other targets makes a move for Isak unlikely at this stage.

Paris Saint-Germain: A New Focal Point for Ligue 1’s Giants?

Paris Saint-Germain have emerged as a potential destination for Isak, with the Ligue 1 champions looking to bolster their attack following Kylian Mbappé’s departure to Real Madrid. PSG’s interest in Isak aligns with their strategy to invest in young, dynamic forwards to lead their next era under manager Luis Enrique.

Why PSG?
Isak’s pace, technical ability, and clinical finishing make him an ideal candidate to become PSG’s new attacking focal point. His versatility to play as a central striker or drift into wider areas would suit Enrique’s fluid tactical system, where he could form a devastating partnership with players like Ousmane Dembélé and Vitinha. A move to PSG would offer Isak the chance to compete for Ligue 1 titles, challenge for the Champions League, and play in a high-profile environment with global exposure. PSG’s financial resources mean they could comfortably meet Newcastle’s £120-150 million valuation, and the allure of Paris could be a significant draw for the Swedish star.

Challenges of the Move
PSG’s recent shift toward a more sustainable transfer strategy, focusing on younger talents like Gonçalo Ramos and Randal Kolo Muani, might make them hesitant to splash out a club-record fee for Isak. Additionally, competition from Premier League clubs could complicate negotiations, as Isak’s proven record in England might make him prioritize staying in the Premier League. Newcastle’s reluctance to sell to a Champions League rival could also pose a hurdle, though PSG’s financial firepower might overcome this.

Likelihood: Moderate to High. PSG’s need for a marquee striker and their financial capacity make them serious contenders, though Isak’s preference for staying in England could tilt the scales toward a Premier League move.

What’s Next for Isak?

Isak’s future hinges on several factors: Newcastle’s willingness to negotiate, the financial packages offered, and his personal ambitions. Liverpool appear the frontrunners, given their proactive approach, financial muscle, and Isak’s reported preference for Anfield. PSG’s interest adds an intriguing European dimension, with the chance to lead their post-Mbappé era, while Al-Hilal’s lucrative offer presents a tempting alternative outside Europe. Arsenal’s interest is hampered by budget constraints, and Chelsea’s pursuit lacks momentum.

Newcastle’s insistence that Isak is not for sale, coupled with their Champions League qualification, gives them leverage, but the striker’s unrest—exacerbated by stalled contract talks and his omission from a pre-season friendly against Celtic—suggests a resolution may be nearing. Eddie Howe has admitted the speculation influenced his decision to leave Isak out, hinting at underlying tensions.

If Isak pushes for a move, Liverpool’s project under Arne Slot, combined with their status as champions, makes them the most likely destination, closely followed by PSG’s ambitious vision. Al-Hilal’s financial firepower remains a wildcard, while Arsenal and Chelsea face steeper challenges. For now, the football world watches eagerly as one of the Premier League’s brightest stars decides his next chapter.

Published by
William P
William P
William is a passionate football journalist at Pure Sports with over 8 years experience. He is particularly interested in Chelsea FC and Premier League.
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