FC Barcelona has been clear for months that the priority to strengthen the forward line is Alexander Isak. The Swedish forward from Newcastle United has become one of the most decisive strikers in the Premier League, sparking the interest of the best clubs in Europe. His goal-scoring ability, speed, and associative play fit perfectly with the blaugrana style, but there is a problem: his price is astronomical.
Newcastle has made it clear that they have no intention of selling their star, and will only sit down to negotiate if an offer close to 180 million euros comes in. A figure completely out of Barça's reach, which is going through a delicate financial situation and can't afford such an outlay.
Isak Shines in the Premier League
At 25 years old, the Swedish striker is having his best season in England. In 33 official matches, he has managed to score 23 goals and provide 5 assists, establishing himself as one of the most lethal forwards in the championship.
His explosion in the Premier League has caught the attention of several European giants, who have focused on him to strengthen their squads for the next season. Isak is a footballer with a tremendous margin for improvement, and his ability to adapt to different systems makes him a top-level asset.
From Barça, they have tried to explore different formulas to bring him to Camp Nou. Deco's idea was to agree on a staggered payment or include players in the operation to reduce his cost, but Newcastle is not willing to negotiate. They want cash, and given the lack of resources from the blaugrana club, the Isak option is starting to fade.
Barça Seeks Alternatives
Although Isak is the favorite of the technical secretariat, Barça already has other names on the table.
The second option is another Swedish forward, Viktor Gyökeres, from Sporting Lisbon. His price is more accessible, around 80 million euros, but there are doubts about his adaptation to a top-level team. Despite his great numbers in Portugal, he has yet to prove his ability in a highly demanding league.
Another profile of interest is Benjamin Sesko, a Slovenian forward from RB Leipzig. At 21 years old, he is a project of a world-class forward. His market price is around 80 million euros, and the relations with the German club are good, which could facilitate an agreement.
Barça will have to decide in the coming weeks what their definitive bet will be, but what is clear is that the Isak option has been practically ruled out.
Isak Already Has a Destination
Although Barça had him on their priority list, Alexander Isak has made his decision: his future will be at Liverpool.
The English team has decided to pay the 180 million euros that Newcastle is asking for, making the Swede the most expensive signing in their history. This way, his arrival at Camp Nou is completely ruled out, leaving Barça without their desired forward and forcing them to seek new alternatives in the market.