The dramatic transfer saga surrounding Alexander Isak to Liverpool has reached a pivotal stage.
There is a clear roadmap now emerging for the striker's potential departure.
Sources indicate that a move to Liverpool will only be sanctioned if two key conditions are met: Newcastle must secure two striker replacements, and Liverpool must table a British record bid of £150 million.
Isak, who has made it clear he wishes to "explore his options," has been training alone at the club's Benton base and was not in the squad for the Premier League opener against Aston Villa.
Despite this, Newcastle's stance remains firm.
The club is under no financial pressure to sell, and with Isak under contract until 2028, they hold all the negotiating power.
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The Strikers on Newcastle's Radar
The first and most complex condition is that Newcastle must sign not one, but two new strikers to replace the hole left by Isak's departure and to cover for the recent exit of Callum Wilson.
The Magpies' search has been a difficult one this summer, with several top targets like Benjamin Sesko and Hugo Ekitike opting for moves elsewhere.
However, the club has now identified three primary targets and are actively pursuing them:
Gonçalo Ramos (Paris Saint-Germain):
The Portuguese international has emerged as a key target. Ramos, 24, ended the 2024-25 season with 19 goals and six assists in 46 appearances for PSG.
Known for his movement, finishing, and high work rate, he fits the profile of an all-action forward that Eddie Howe is looking for.
While PSG would reportedly prefer to keep him, his limited playing time could be a factor in any potential deal.
Yoane Wissa (Brentford):
After a frustrating standoff, sources from the Chronicle Live and talkSPORT suggest that Newcastle are "closing in" on a deal for Wissa, who has made it clear he wants to leave Brentford.
The fee is expected to be in the region of £35 million to £40 million. Wissa, 28, is a versatile attacker with pace and power, and he scored 19 Premier League goals last season.
Jørgen Strand Larsen (Wolves):
The Norwegian international is a new name on Newcastle's radar.
The 25-year-old, who scored 14 goals and four assists in 35 Premier League appearances last season, has a great all-around game.
He is a strong physical presence, excellent in the air, and has a high work rate, all qualities that would make him a good fit for Eddie Howe's system.
The club believes that signing at least two of these players would provide enough quality and depth to offset the loss of Isak, and only then would they be willing to consider his departure.
The £150m Condition
The second and most crucial condition is Liverpool's willingness to make a British-record bid of £150 million.
While Liverpool has already seen a £110 million bid rejected by Newcastle, they are reportedly still in the running to sign Isak.
A financial expert, Stefan Borson, has stated that Liverpool may be waiting until after their clash against Newcastle on August 25 to submit a new offer, but that the deal is "most likely" to get done.
With the transfer window closing on September 1, the clock is ticking for all parties.
While the "Isak saga" has created a difficult and emotional situation at the club, it has also provided a clear roadmap for a potential resolution.
Newcastle, with their two clear conditions, are in control of the situation and will only sanction a move for their star striker on their own terms.
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