Newcastle chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan has sent an emphatic message to the likes of Arsenal who are targeting a move for his ‘favourite player’ in the summer transfer window.
The governor of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment fund was surrounded by the Geordie faithful on Sunday to watch the Magpies end a domestic trophy drought that dated back to 1955 following a 2-1 win over Liverpool.
Alexander Isak enhanced his burgeoning reputation with the goal that eventually won the game, displaying all his predatory instincts and finishing ability with a ruthless first-time finish.
The Sweden international has enjoyed another stellar campaign with the club he joined nearly three years ago from Real Sociedad for a fee in the region of £63 million.
Isak’s value has at least doubled in the intervening period and with the 25-year-old’s current contract not expiring until 2028, Newcastle are in an extremely strong position with regards to retaining the services of their prize asset.
Isak’s value has at least doubled in the intervening period and with the 25-year-old’s current contract not expiring until 2028, Newcastle are in an extremely strong position with regards to retaining the services of their prize asset.
Arsenal, who have held interest in Isak since his time at Sociedad, are understood to have made the 25-year-old their absolute transfer priority while Barcelona are also carefully monitoring his situation.
The current La Liga leaders watched Isak during Newcastle’s recent win against West Ham and are in eyeing up Robert Lewandowski’s long-term successor with the Poland international set to turn 37 in August.
Al-Rumayyan, however, has made clear to Newcastle’s hierarchy that a player the Daily Mail report he is particularly sweet on will not be going anywhere and has refused to even set a ball park asking price.
Newcastle would like to enter into discussions over a new deal and a significant pay rise for Isak, but the player appears to be in no rush, particularly with qualification for next season’s Champions League hanging in the balance.
