Will he go or will he stay? That’s the big question surrounding Alexander Isak at Newcastle United right now.
On Friday, Newcastle rejected a £110million bid from Liverpool and due to the nature of the rejection have briefed certain journalists to say they won’t be making another offer unless given encouragement by the Magpies.
The Sweden international wants to leave Newcastle this summer and has been training at former club Real Sociedad in Spain after sitting out of the club’s pre-season tour of Singapore and South Korea.
Newcastle return to England on Monday, where Isak will be expected to re-join the squad at the club’s Benton training base. Whether he does, however, remains to be seen.
Liverpool have seemingly put the ball in Isak’s court, with it being on the player to change the Magpies’ stance. How far will Isak push for the move? Well, we’re about to find out.
Meanwhile, Newcastle have been exploring other striker options and if given encouragement that signing a replacement for Isak is possible then their stance may alter slightly.
The Magpies have held talks with RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko but face competition from Manchester United, while the Yoane Wissa saga is far from over with the player pushing to leave Brentford.
In a scenario where Isak leaves and Newcastle sign a replacement (or two), we take a look at Eddie Howe’s side could line-up next season:
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5. LB: Lewis Hall
Foot surgery in March cut short what was an outstanding campaign for the 20-year-old. Once he’s back, Hall won’t only be a regular for Newcastle but for England as well. | Getty Images
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6. CM: Sandro Tonali
A move to the No.6 role in December last year and Tonali hasn’t looked back. The Italian has been a revelation and, in many ways, transformed the team. | Getty Images
7. CM: Bruno Guimaraes
Appointed captain last summer, the Brazilian has taken to the role by storm after leading Newcastle to their first domestic trophy in 70 years. Bruno leads by example, both on and off the pitch. | Getty Images
8. CM: Jacob Ramsey
Having Jacob Ramsey and Joelinton, who are two different kind of players, will help give Howe a good variation in midfield. | Getty Images