The Swedish forward is one of the names that most convinces Deco to fill the "9" position. However, the striker's latest decision has definitively ruined the plans.
Alexander Isak has chosen to close any future option with Barça. Although his name was mentioned as a possible mid-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski, his intentions have completely changed. Not only is he not waiting for the Catalan club, but he has already chosen a new destination.
Isak wants to leave Newcastle this summer
The English press have revealed that the player has already formally requested to leave Newcastle United. The forward has made it clear that he wants to leave the British club before this transfer window ends. The most unexpected thing is that his priority isn't Barça.
For weeks, Liverpool have intensified contacts with the footballer's camp. The "red" club believe Isak would fit perfectly into its new attacking project. The Swede also sees it clearly: he wants to play at Anfield as soon as possible.
Barça, meanwhile, have received the news with resignation. Although there was real interest, they knew they couldn't compete with other offers in economic terms. The Catalan club's financial situation remains an obstacle in operations of this magnitude.
Newcastle's stance: he will only leave for 150 million
Despite the player's desire, the transfer won't be easy to execute. Newcastle doesn't need to sell and has set the forward's price at an exorbitant figure. They will only consider proposals that exceed 150 million euros.
Alexander Isak arrived in 2022 from Real Sociedad for 70 million. Since then, his progress has been unstoppable and his value has skyrocketed season after season. The English club doesn't want to part with its star without a truly groundbreaking offer.
For now, Liverpool hasn't made an official offer. Sources close to the club say they're willing to negotiate if the player insists on leaving. The operation looks complex, but not impossible.
Isak says goodbye to the "culé" dream
In Barça's camp, Isak's name was marked as a strategic mid-term option. The club saw him as the ideal forward to fit the positional play. His versatile, technical, and fast style suited the model proposed by Hansi Flick.
However, the player has chosen a different path. He believes his time has come to make the leap to a club with immediate ambitions. In this scenario, Liverpool offers him more guarantees than current Barça.
There is a certain disappointment in the Catalan locker room. Although they knew it wouldn't be easy, they hoped to have more time to convince the player. Now, that possibility is completely ruled out.
Breakout season in the Premier League
Alexander Isak has been one of the standout figures of the 2024/25 Premier League. The Swede finished the season with 27 goals and 6 assists in 42 official matches. Numbers that place him among the most productive forwards in England.
At 25 years old, he has shown he's much more than a finisher. He moves between the lines, combines well, and breaks defenses with his powerful stride and spatial awareness. His performance has put him on the radar of several European giants.
Isak wants to take another step in his career, and that step points to Liverpool. Barça, meanwhile, will have to look for new alternatives to renew its attacking line.