Alexander Isak’s camp will seek a move away next summer if Newcastle United do not qualify for the Champions League at the end of the season, according to the Daily Mail.
His camp did not want to sign a contract extension because of an ambition to play in the elite European competition, and there are also emerging doubts over the speed of the project at the St James Park club.
Newcastle held preliminary talks with the Sweden international striker towards the end of last season, but there was a feeling then that the 25-year-old and his camp were reluctant to commit his future to the club.
The Toons are currently not in contract talks with Isak, and there are no plans to enter negotiations with him given that he has more than three years remaining on his current contract.
Both parties also do not see a need to talk about an extension given the length of the contract he signed when he joined and being that he is already one of Newcastle’s top earners.
He joined the club in a £63 million deal from Real Sociedad in the summer of 2022 and has attracted the bigwigs with his form after a return of 36 goals in 74 games.
Newcastle would want to hold on to Isak for as long as they like but will be in a strong position to negotiate a big fee from suitors should he opt to move on next summer if they miss out on a top-four finish.
Barcelona are reportedly monitoring his situation and he is high on their transfer list as they eye alternative transfer targets if they miss out on Manchester City hitman Erling Braut Haaland.
Arsenal are also known admirers of the Newcastle hitman, and holding on to him beyond this season could prove difficult for the Toons if they fail to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
