Alexander Isak drifts as move before transfer window looks unlikely

Alexander Isak’s future at Newcastle United has taken a dramatic twist after the striker claimed the club had “broken promises” and insisted his relationship with the Magpies is now “damaged beyond repair.”

The Swedish international believes it is in everyone’s best interests for him to move on this summer, although Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is still hopeful he can patch things up with the player before the transfer deadline.

Despite the unrest, bookmakers Bet365 still make Isak favourite to remain at St James’ Park beyond the 3rd of September.

He is priced at 4/6 to stay put and not agree a contract with another club, reflecting both Newcastle’s determination to hold onto him and the high fee they would demand from potential suitors.

Dave James, Odds expert at What Are The Odds comments:

Liverpool are rated the strongest challengers to secure Isak’s signature. The Reds, who are in the market for attacking reinforcements, are priced at 11/10 to bring him to Anfield before the window closes. Arsenal are next in line at 14/1, though Mikel Arteta’s side have other priorities in midfield and defence, which could make a move less likely.

There is also interest from the continent, albeit with far longer odds.

Paris Saint-Germain are quoted at 40/1, while Spanish giants Real Madrid are level with Chelsea at 66/1. Barcelona, battling ongoing financial restrictions, are considered outsiders at 80/1, despite their admiration for Isak’s style of play.

A move to the Saudi Pro League is viewed as a remote possibility, currently priced at 25/1.

While Saudi clubs have the resources to make an attractive offer, Isak is thought to favour staying in Europe at this stage of his career. Manchester United are also listed at 100/1, alongside Atlético Madrid, while Italian duo Inter and Napoli are both available at 125/1, showing just how unlikely such moves are seen by the bookmakers.

The uncertainty comes at a delicate time for Newcastle, who are eager to keep hold of their star striker as they look to push for a European spot next season.

Losing Isak would be a huge blow, particularly given his growing reputation as one of the Premier League’s most clinical forwards. Yet his public comments have raised serious doubts about whether the relationship can be salvaged.

Ultimately, much will depend on whether Eddie Howe and Newcastle’s hierarchy can convince Isak to remain part of their project. With bookmakers still backing him to stay, it looks like the club will do all they can to keep hold of him.

But with Liverpool lurking and relations reportedly strained, this transfer saga could run right up until deadline day.