Liverpool target Alexander Isak slammed over 'bizarre' decision to leave Newcastle for an extra '£50,000 a week' as ex-Magpies star urges striker to stay

The Sweden international striker is seemingly pushing for a way out of St James’ Park, with a transfer request being tabled. He has been left out of Newcastle’s pre-season plans and has seemingly entered into talks with interested parties.

It is being reported that personal terms have been agreed with Liverpool, as the reigning Premier League champions prepare to table a formal offer for a player that apparently comes with a £150 million ($200m) price tag.

The Magpies have Isak tied to a contract through to 2028, meaning that they can dictate any discussions, and there is no guarantee that a big-money sale will be sanctioned - with Eddie Howe readying his squad for more Champions League action in 2025-26.

Ex-Newcastle defender Stuart Pearce, speaking in association with BresBet, told GOAL when asked why an ambitious project on Tyneside - which has wealthy owners on board - is struggling to retain players of Isak’s ilk: “Only the players can answer that. Looking at it from a player's point of view and my history as a player, sometimes down the line you have got to stay and play football where you are happy. Isak looks to me as though he is happy at Newcastle.

“They are in European competition, the club have won their first trophy for a long time, why wouldn’t you stay would be the question. I’m sure financially they can offer as good as anyone and he can get paid 150, 250, 300,000 pounds a week. To me there is very little in that if he is going to get paid another 50,000 pounds on top of that. It seems bizarre to me.

“I think it will resolve itself. I don’t think Newcastle will part company with Isak - certainly not this season. The trouble is, if you are not Liverpool and not Manchester City, you have got a fight on to keep players. That is just the nature of the game.”

Isak joined Newcastle in 2022 for £63m ($84m). He has hit 62 goals for the Magpies through 109 appearances, but the 25-year-old is seemingly ready to take on a new challenge outside of the North East.