Newcastle United is bracing for a significant transfer battle as Liverpool sets its sights on star striker Alexander Isak. Multiple sources have confirmed that Isak is a key target for the Reds, regardless of whether Mohamed Salah remains with the club. While there have been suggestions of a potential swap deal involving Darwin Núñez, these have been downplayed, with Liverpool possibly considering other players to include in negotiations.
Newcastle was reportedly close to signing Joe Gomez last summer, and Jarrell Quansah was also mentioned as a possible makeweight in a deal for Anthony Gordon. As the season draws to a close, Newcastle plans to hold contract talks with Isak, who has become hot property after netting an impressive 50 goals in just 77 Premier League appearances.
With doubts surrounding Isak's future and Callum Wilson expected to depart, Newcastle sporting director Paul Mitchell has expressed interest in soon-to-be free agent Jonathan David. However, the Magpies will face stiff competition for the Canadian international, as clubs like Arsenal, Tottenham, Manchester United, and West Ham are also linked with him.
In addition to Isak, Aston Villa and Newcastle are monitoring Chelsea winger Noni Madueke, who cost the Blues £28.5 million from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023. The England international has scored seven goals in 23 Premier League games this season but has faced disciplinary issues, being dropped twice by Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca due to poor attitude in training.
Meanwhile, Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana is reportedly open to leaving the club this summer, with substantial interest from the Saudi Pro League. United is willing to listen to offers for their error-prone number one, and they aim to recoup the £46 million they paid for him under the guidance of former manager Erik ten Hag.
Brighton midfielder Matt O’Riley is also attracting attention from Italian clubs, notably Roma. After joining the Seagulls from Celtic for £25 million last summer, O’Riley has struggled with injuries, making only 14 appearances in his first season in the Premier League. With the World Cup approaching, the Denmark international is keen to secure regular playing time.
In a related note, former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has pointed out a critical VAR moment that may have cost Liverpool during their recent 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley. Clattenburg noted that Liverpool's Federico Chiesa scored a goal that was initially flagged for offside, only for the VAR to overturn the decision after a lengthy review. This moment, he claimed, allowed Newcastle to regroup and ultimately benefited them.
Clattenburg stated, "That Liverpool player (Federico Chiesa) should be allowed to celebrate his goal, even though he doesn’t really want to celebrate because he wants to get the ball back to the halfway line. That critical moment suited Newcastle, in a way. Liverpool were just inserting a bit of pressure, and the pressure has just been released by that VAR decision."
As Liverpool looks to rebound, they will face Everton on April 2 in what promises to be an intense Merseyside derby. A victory in this match could bring them closer to their first Premier League title since 2020.
In the wake of Isak's standout performances—he scored for Newcastle in their recent cup final victory—Chris Waddle, a former player for both Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle, has voiced concerns that the striker could have his head turned by transfer interest from Liverpool and Arsenal. Isak has been in stellar form, scoring 23 goals and providing five assists in 33 games this season.
Waddle remarked, "Some players leave football clubs simply for a change of scenery, you want to go to London or Paris, for example. I can understand why people are drawn to those places, but you've got to play. You don’t want to join a club, sit on the bench and make 10 appearances." He added that Newcastle is keen to retain Isak, who joined the club from Real Sociedad in the summer of 2023 for a then club record fee of £63 million.
Despite Newcastle's desire to keep him, a reported asking price of between £100 million and £120 million could deter potential suitors. Isak still has three years remaining on his contract at St James’ Park, giving Newcastle leverage in negotiations.
On the other hand, Liverpool's Darwin Núñez, who joined the club for a potential record fee of £85 million in the summer of 2022, has faced scrutiny over his inconsistent finishing. Manager Arne Slot has expressed frustration with Núñez's work rate following missed opportunities, emphasizing the need for players to give their all on the pitch.
Slot commented, "If you miss a chance, you need to be fighting for the team. I'm not saying he didn't do that at all, but it wasn't the usual Darwin, the one that is loved by the fans. That is mainly because he always works so hard." The Uruguayan has had moments of brilliance, but his inconsistency has led to questions about his future at the club.
As the summer transfer window approaches, the futures of several key players hang in the balance, with Liverpool and Newcastle at the forefront of the transfer market. The stakes are high as clubs look to strengthen their squads ahead of the next season, making this summer one to watch closely.
