FC Barcelona has taken a step forward in their intention to sign Alexander Isak, Newcastle's star forward. Laporta and Deco are clear that the Swede is the ideal candidate to succeed Lewandowski, but his price, 120 million euros, complicates the operation.
To face this high cost, Barça has proposed an alternative formula: including three players in the deal with which the club hopes to lower the transfer fee.
Isak, Total Priority for Barça
The Swedish forward is at his best and has had a spectacular season. His power, speed, and finishing ability have made him one of the most sought-after forwards in the market.
Barça has been following him for years and now has a real opportunity to sign him. Isak doesn't want to force his exit, but he has made his position clear: if Newcastle doesn't qualify for the Champions League, he will request a transfer.
Currently, the English team occupies the sixth position in the Premier League, outside the Champions League spots. If they don't manage to climb positions, the Swedish forward will seek an exit this summer.
Laporta Offers Players in Exchange: Newcastle Studies It
Barça can't afford a 120 million euro transfer and has therefore opted for an exchange formula. Joan Laporta has put an agreement on the table that includes three Barça players to lower the operation's cost.
Newcastle values the proposal positively, as they need to strengthen several positions in their squad. If they accept the deal, Isak's arrival at Camp Nou could be finalized in the coming weeks.
The 3 Players Barça Offers to Newcastle
To convince Newcastle, Barça has offered three players with a strong market in Europe:
- Ronald Araújo: The Uruguayan center-back is one of the most solid defenders in LaLiga and has offers in the Premier League. His departure would allow Barça to obtain a significant figure in the deal.
- Frenkie de Jong: The midfielder is a key piece for Flick, but his high salary and the need to cash in make Barça open to negotiating his departure.
- Ferran Torres: The Spanish winger knows the Premier League from his time at Manchester City and could fit perfectly into Newcastle's scheme.
With this offer, Barça hopes to significantly reduce the transfer price and acquire Isak without compromising their finances too much.
Isak Prefers Barça Over the Premier League
Despite interest from other teams, Isak is clear that his first option is Barça. Even before signing for Newcastle, he was already on the blaugrana's radar, and now, with more experience, he sees his move to Camp Nou as an ideal step in his career.
Newcastle continues to analyze Barça's offer. Although their initial intention was to sell Isak for a figure close to 120M, the possibility of strengthening their squad with three proven players could make them change their mind. Meanwhile, Barça is determined to close the operation as soon as possible to secure Isak's arrival this summer.
Newcastle's qualification for the Champions League will be key to defining Isak's future. If the English team doesn't achieve the goal, the forward will seek his exit, and Barça will have the advantage in negotiations. Laporta has already made his move, and now, the decision is in Newcastle's hands.