Expert rules elite Champions League club out of Alexander Isak transfer race - positive for Newcastle United
Football financial expert Stefan Borson believes Barcelona are in no position to sign Alexander Isak this summer.
A staggering £1billion worth of debt has plunged the La Liga giants into turmoil in recent years. Salary limits and unprecedented regulations - including the 1:1 rule that forces them to only spend what they earn - have been placed on Barca.
Previously synonymous with homegrown talent, the Catalans have become reckless spenders since losing their grip on European domination. Barcelona are only in the process of redeveloping the Camp Nou - with construction set to cost around £750million.
Matchday revenue will be affected for another year as Barca chiefs announced they will continue playing at the Olympic Stadium. A return to their spiritual home is not expected until 2026.
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The Daily Mail reported last week that Barcelona scouts watched Newcastle United talisman Isak during the 1-0 win against West Ham United. Speculation has surrounded the Swede - who became a Wembley hero for the Magpies just days later - all season.
Newcastle hold the cards as Isak has three years remaining on his current deal. But speaking to Football Insider, monetary guru Borson does not think Barca have the resources to meet United’s £150million price tag.
“Barcelona have just announced they’re not going into the stadium this season,” he said. “They had hoped to be back in the Nou Camp. They will be fine in the long term probably, but on paper they’re in no financial position to do a deal like this at all.
“But then in fairness, Barcelona for the last five years have been doing deals that, on any basis, you would think would be impossible, so I don’t know. I think it’s very unlikely.
“I think the fee that Newcastle would want to demand would be probably £125milion to £150million. Why else would you sell him? I just think it’s hugely unlikely. But Barcelona are the one club that’s proved any analysis of logical investment wrong. By all measures, they should have been bust a long time ago.”
Alexander Isak distanced himself from Newcastle United exit talk
Isak deflected further questions about his future when grilled by Swedish media last week. He said: "From within the club and from our side there are absolutely no discussions. It's just full focus on playing for me.
“There is a lot of writing outside but within the club no one is talking about anything like that. I just want to perform for Newcastle. Now we won the cup, but we want to finish strong and reach the Champions League games."