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Alexander Isak exit on the table as Newcastle make record signing
Alexander Isak. Mike DiNovo-Imagn Images

Alexander Isak exit on the table as Newcastle make record signing

Newcastle United are reportedly closing in on a club-record deal for Stuttgart striker Nick Woltemade, a move that could clear the way for Alexander Isak’s departure.

According to Sky Sports, the Magpies have agreed to pay €75M ($87.4M) plus €5M ($5.8M) in add-ons for the 23-year-old Germany international, taking the total package to around €80M ($93.3M). 

The fee eclipses the £63M ($84.9M) Newcastle spent on Isak in 2022 and highlights the club’s determination to reinforce their attack. Woltemade is understood to have traveled to Tyneside on Thursday ahead of a medical on Friday.

At 6-foot-6, the towering forward scored 17 goals in 33 appearances across all competitions last season. His aerial threat and improving finishing made him a prime target for Newcastle, particularly amid uncertainty over Isak’s future.

Isak has yet to feature this season after refusing to return to training in an effort to force through a transfer. Newcastle had insisted he would only be sold if a suitable replacement was secured. With Woltemade’s arrival imminent, the club’s stance is expected to soften.

Liverpool remain the leading contenders and have long been believed to be preparing a fresh bid of around £130M ($175.4M), having seen an earlier £110M ($148.4M) offer rejected. 

Such a fee would make Isak the most expensive signing in Liverpool’s history and would surpass the British transfer record. Personal terms are not expected to be an issue, with the striker keen on a move to Anfield.

Even with Woltemade on board, Newcastle are reportedly pursuing an additional forward before the transfer deadline. Targets include Brentford’s Yoane Wissa and Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen, though both have proved difficult to pry away with rejected bids tabled. 

Adding further depth is viewed as essential before formally entertaining offers for Isak.

For Newcastle, Woltemade’s capture is both a statement of ambition and a potential turning point. The record-breaking deal not only bolsters their frontline but also sets the stage for one of the summer’s defining transfers. 

With Liverpool circling and Isak unsettled, the coming days could reshape the Magpies’ attack for years to come.

Matt Evans

Matt Evans is a sports journalist from the United Kingdom, now based in Paris, France. He has covered various sports including basketball, soccer, boxing, MMA, and motorsports.  Over the past decade, Matt has focused heavily on the NBA and has worked with many established outlets on a variety of content

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