Newcastle United have swiftly turned down a proposal involving a player-plus-cash exchange between their striker Alexander Isak and Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez, according to reports.
Since joining Liverpool for a hefty fee in 2022, Nunez has faced challenges in securing a regular place in the team and has been rumored to be leaving in the January transfer window. While no move took place, he could still be on his way out in the summer.
On the other hand, Isak, who has been Newcastle’s top scorer this season with 19 Premier League goals, has attracted interest from several clubs. Only Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland have scored more in the league for their respective teams. Arsenal have been long-term admirers of the Swedish forward, but Liverpool seems to be making a push to sign him. However, they may need to put in more effort to make the deal happen.
Reports from Chronicle Live suggest that Newcastle rejected Liverpool’s offer, though the exact amount of cash involved alongside Nunez’s name remains unclear. Newcastle’s manager, Eddie Howe, has been firm in his stance that Isak is not for sale.
“Alex has a long contract with us, and we need to be cautious with our spending because of PSR,” Howe said in October. “We’re very fond of him and want him to stay here for many years, continuing to score lots of goals. But, there’s no immediate concern with his contract.”
He continued: “Of course, there will be continuous talks, but Alex can improve his situation by continuing to perform well. He’s a fantastic talent, excellent with the ball, very intelligent, and a lethal goalscorer when he’s at his best.”
At the time Howe made these comments, Isak had only scored once in six Premier League appearances. However, he has been in fine form since, including an impressive run of scoring in eight consecutive league games around the turn of the year.
The 25-year-old also netted in Carabao Cup victories over Chelsea and Arsenal, helping Newcastle reach the final. Isak will be hoping to recover in time for the upcoming match against Liverpool on March 16, after being substituted during Newcastle’s FA Cup loss to Brighton on Sunday.
Newcastle’s FA Cup defeat came in extra time, with winger Anthony Gordon receiving a red card for a challenge on Jan Paul van Hecke. Gordon is now set to serve a three-match suspension, which would rule him out of the Carabao Cup final. However, Newcastle is planning to appeal the decision.
