Alexander Isak’s Newcastle future has taken a dramatic twist. While Liverpool have pulled out of the race, the Swedish striker is now reportedly open to a shock move to Saudi giants Al-Hilal. With £150m on the table, Newcastle face a critical decision regarding their star forward.
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Alexander Isak Shocks Fans by Considering Al-Hilal Move
Alexander Isak, Newcastle United’s dazzling frontman and one of the Premier League’s top scorers last season, is reportedly considering a shock move to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal. The 25-year-old Swedish striker had appeared set to remain on Tyneside, especially after Liverpool cooled their interest. But in a surprising turn, Isak has reportedly given the green light to initiate talks with the Saudi Pro League giants.
This twist comes from reliable French journalist Santi Aouna, who claims that Isak is “open to moving to Saudi Arabia” and willing to join Al-Hilal, a club now managed by Simone Inzaghi. The revelation has set off alarm bells in Newcastle, whose owners—the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF)—also control a majority stake in Al-Hilal. That raises serious questions about the future of the Magpies’ most prolific asset.
A Stellar Season Raises Eyebrows
Isak’s stock couldn’t be higher. With 23 Premier League goals to his name last season—just behind Mohamed Salah—the Swedish international has firmly established himself as one of Europe’s elite strikers. His performances attracted heavy interest from Liverpool earlier in the summer, but Newcastle’s firm £150 million valuation led the Reds to switch their focus to Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike.
| Stat | Alexander Isak 2023–24 (Premier League) |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 35 |
| Goals Scored | 23 |
| Assists | 5 |
| Shots per Game | 3.2 |
| Passing Accuracy | 82% |
Al-Hilal Enter the Race
As Liverpool backed out, Al-Hilal entered the fray. Aouna reports that the Saudi giants are willing to “do crazy things” to secure Isak’s signature, even hinting at a potential £150 million bid—exactly what Newcastle had demanded from Liverpool.
However, this scenario is anything but simple. Since both clubs are majority-owned by PIF, such a transfer would be a rare internal reshuffling of elite talent between two sister clubs under the same financial umbrella. Whether this creates internal conflict or strategic harmony remains to be seen.
| Club | Ownership (PIF) |
|---|---|
| Newcastle United | 85% |
| Al-Hilal | 75% |
Newcastle’s Dilemma
Newcastle are understandably reluctant to lose their talisman. With ambitions to challenge for a Champions League spot and build a squad around Isak, selling their main goal threat—even to a sister club—would be a step backwards. But every player has a price, and if Al-Hilal submit a formal offer matching Newcastle’s valuation, it could force the Magpies into a tough decision.
Should Isak make the move, he would join a growing list of elite European stars lured by Saudi riches. But with Euro 2028 and his peak years ahead, Isak must weigh the pros and cons of stepping away from top-tier European football at this crucial stage in his career.
This transfer saga goes beyond football—it brings to the fore questions about multi-club ownership, competitive integrity, and the shifting balance of power in the global game. If PIF’s Al-Hilal succeeds in signing a player from PIF’s Newcastle, it could trigger regulatory scrutiny and fan unrest alike.
For now, Alexander Isak remains a Newcastle player. But the sands are shifting, and with Saudi power and money in the mix, this story is far from over.
Read More: Manchester United Seal Bryan Mbeumo Signing After Improved £71m Bid Accepted by Brentford
FAQs
Is Alexander Isak leaving Newcastle United?
Not yet, but he has reportedly given the green light to explore a transfer to Al-Hilal.
Is Liverpool still interested in Isak?
No. Liverpool have backed out and are now targeting Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt.
What is Newcastle’s asking price for Isak?
The Magpies have set a valuation of £150 million, which only a few clubs can match.
Why is the Al-Hilal move controversial?
Both Al-Hilal and Newcastle are majority-owned by Saudi Arabia’s PIF, raising questions of conflict of interest.
Who manages Al-Hilal?
Former Inter Milan and Lazio boss Simone Inzaghi is now at the helm of Al-Hilal.
