Alexander Isak has hinted at a desire to keep his future open, with a potential move away from Newcastle now on the cards amid strong interest from Liverpool. The Swedish striker addressed the rumours linking him to the Premier League champions, and his comments, made just before Newcastle’s pre-season tour of Asia, have effectively put the football world on alert.
Just a year ago, Barcelona were also in the mix. Sporting director Deco was a known admirer of Isak, viewing him as a standout candidate to become the club’s next No. 9. With Robert Lewandowski’s contract set to expire next summer and the Polish striker likely to move on due to age and physical demands, Barcelona may soon revisit their interest in Isak as they plan for a long-term replacement.
Given Barcelona's well-documented financial struggles, the prospect of signing Alexander Isak appears incredibly remote. Even if they could somehow cobble together a substantial transfer fee, the sheer magnitude of Newcastle's £130 million valuation for their star striker is a non-starter. This figure alone would shatter Barcelona's current financial capabilities, especially considering their ongoing efforts to reduce their wage bill and comply with La Liga's strict financial fair play rules. They're simply not in a position to outbid wealthier clubs or meet such an exorbitant asking price.
Beyond the transfer fee, Isak's wage demands would present another insurmountable hurdle. As a highly sought-after talent, he would command a salary that aligns with his market value and Newcastle's investment. Barcelona, however, are actively trying to decrease their overall wage expenditure, making it highly improbable they could offer Isak a competitive package without severely jeopardizing their financial stability and regulatory compliance. Ultimately, the chasm between Barcelona's current financial reality and the economic demands of acquiring a player of Isak's caliber is simply too wide to bridge.
The addition of Marcus Rashford’s salary to Barcelona’s already tight wage bill has created immediate registration concerns, with La Liga currently unlikely to approve another move if any further negotiations progress further. On top of that, competing with the reported £600,000-per-week tax-free offer from Saudi Arabia is simply not feasible for the Catalan club.
What he can offer if a move was feasible?
There’s no doubt that since joining Newcastle, Alexander Isak has evolved into one of the most complete and sought-after strikers in world football. He has firmly established himself as one of the best No. 9s currently on the market.
His goalscoring record has steadily improved, and he’s consistently delivered strong performances, often against some of the Premier League’s top defences, bullying them with ease. What sets him apart is not just his output, but the consistency with which he produces week in, week out, evidenced with the 23 goals in the Premier League last year.
Isak's blend of pace, power, and clinical finishing has been on full display across both the Premier League and the Champions League, two of the highest stages in world football. He’s proven he can handle the physicality, tempo, and pressure of elite-level competition.
And if there were ever doubts about whether he could thrive in La Liga, those questions have already been answered. During his time with Real Sociedad, Isak netted 33 goals, including an impressive 17-goal campaign that showcased his potential in Spain’s top flight. His familiarity with the league, combined with his growth since then, makes him an even more attractive option for clubs like Barcelona, who may soon be in the market for a new long-term No. 9.