Yasir Al-Rumayyan furious at Liverpool ‘bullying’ tactic as Newcastle United launch counter-attack
Newcastle United are adamant that Alexander Isak is not for sale at any cost this summer.
The Public Investment Fund were reportedly left raging at Liverpool’s attempt to unsettle Alexander Isak.
Drama has unfolded in recent days as the Magpies stepped up their transfer business. News broke that Newcastle were launching an ambitious bid to sign Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike.
It is no secret that Liverpool have been keeping tabs on the Frenchman all summer as Arne Slot reshuffles his frontline. Florian Wirtz has already joined for a British record fee while Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz could be heading for the Anfield exit.
Liverpool interest in Alexander Isak
However, Newcastle’s interest has taken many - including Liverpool - off guard. Speculation throughout last season regarding a possible move for Isak crept into the summer but the Magpies have been steadfast in their stance.
NewcastleWorld understands the Swede is not for sale - a message that has consistently been relayed by club sources. There is no panic at St James’ Park given the length left on Isak’s contract.
His current deal expires in 2028 and the preference would be to tie him down to a longer deal. Isak has openly discussed his happiness on Tyneside but that did little to stop the transfer rumours.
PIF furious at ‘bullying’ Liverpool
Liverpool made a cheeky enquiry for Isak earlier this week following Newcastle’s move for Ekitike. This was swiftly rejected - with the Reds told the striker is not for sale this summer.
The Telegraph claim PIF chiefs were furious at what they saw as a deliberate ploy to unsettle Isak. An arrogant suggestion that Liverpool will jump on Ekitike if Isak is unavailable also did not go down well within Toon quarters.
It is noted how Newcastle are extra motivated to prove their ambition by competing with Liverpool for Ekitike. As it stands, the Magpies are the only club known to have submitted a concrete offer.
A bid worth around £69million was rejected on Wednesday as Frankfurt hold out for closer to his €100million release clause. Various sources claim Liverpool have now reached out to Ekitike’s camp regarding a possible move and both clubs are embroiled in a transfer tug-of-war.
Yasir Al-Rumayyan vision for Newcastle United
Newcastle’s chairman - and governor of PIF - outlined the club’s vision to compete domestically and in Europe early into the Saudi-backed era. He told supporters in an open letter: “There is still a long way to go but each season is a building block towards our objective: to challenge for trophies both domestically and in Europe.
“The club we are building is made up of people who understand our long-term vision, and who understand the patience and persistence that it will take to achieve those goals. Those values are reflected in the players that we bring to the club.
“Bringing the women's team into direct ownership of the club is a part of that plan. Progress won't always be smooth - but we will always forge ahead. You can rest assured that we are all working very hard to drive the club forward.”