The Transfer Market Is Starting to Heat Up and FC Barcelona Already Has Its Main Target for Next Summer. The search for a forward to take over from Lewandowski is underway, and the favorite of Joan Laporta and Deco is none other than Alexander Isak.
The Swedish forward is having a spectacular season with Newcastle. With 19 goals in 28 matches, he has established himself as one of the best "9s" in Europe. His power, speed, and finishing ability make him a desired piece for the major clubs on the continent.
Barça has been closely following him for months. Laporta believes that Isak fits perfectly into the blaugrana style and that, at 25 years old, he is the ideal option to lead the attack.
However, signing him won't be easy. Newcastle doesn't want to part with their star, and his market price exceeds 100 million euros. Additionally, there are other Premier League teams interested in him.
But there is a factor that could play in Barça's favor. Isak has a clear condition for leaving, and the Catalan club is already aware of it.
Isak Will Only Leave Newcastle If One Requirement Is Met
The Swedish forward is aware of his importance at Newcastle. He doesn't want to leave at any cost or force his way out of the club. His priority is to stay in England as long as the team qualifies for the Champions League.
Currently, Newcastle is in sixth place in the Premier League, outside the spots that grant direct access to the top European competition. If they don't finish in the top four, Isak will request a transfer.
Laporta and Deco already know that this factor could be key. If Newcastle misses out on the Champions League, the player will decide to leave, and Barça will have a real opportunity to sign him.
Barça Needs to Raise Funds to Undertake the Operation
The major obstacle in the Isak operation is his price. In 2022, Newcastle paid 70 million euros for him, and now they won't let him go for less than 120 million.
Barça, with its financial limitations, can't enter a bidding war with English teams. Therefore, if they want to go for Isak, they will need to make significant sales in the summer.
Some of the players who could leave to finance the Swedish player's signing are Ronald Araújo, Frenkie de Jong, or Ferran Torres. All of them have a market and could bring a significant amount to the club's coffers.
Deco and Laporta are analyzing all the options. They won't do anything crazy or enter auctions, but if the conditions are favorable, they will try to close the signing.
Isak Gives Priority to Barça
Despite the interest from other teams, the Swedish forward is clear about his favorite destination. He has always shown his admiration for Spanish soccer and Barça's play style.
Before signing for Newcastle, he was already on the blaugrana radar. Now, with more experience and at a higher level, he sees his move to Camp Nou as an ideal step in his career.
Isak knows that at Barça he would have the opportunity to be the starting "9" and fight for all the titles. Additionally, the presence of Flick, a coach with experience in German soccer, is a plus in his decision.
Barça has the scenario clear. If Newcastle doesn't make it to the Champions League, Isak will request to leave. The Catalan club will have to move quickly and do the math to undertake the operation.
The summer will be key. Isak is on Barça's list, but everything will depend on how the season ends in England.