Newcastle at a crossroads as Liverpool prepares record bid for Alexander Isak

Newcastle responded with a firm statement of its own, denying that any assurances had been made to sanction his exit. The club stressed that Isak remains under contract and that a sale would only be considered if certain conditions, like securing an adequate replacement, are met.

Liverpool, meanwhile, continues to circle. An opening bid of around £110M ($148.3M) was rejected, but reports now suggest the Premier League champions are preparing an offer closer to £130M ($175.3M). 

Such a figure would eclipse the British transfer record, though Newcastle is reportedly holding out for closer to £150M ($202.2M).

The stand-off is beginning to take its toll internally. Isak has refused to take part in preseason, sat out the opening league fixture and has been training away from the first-team group, clear signals of his frustration.

Captain Bruno Guimaraes, in contrast, appeared to show solidarity with the club by posting an image of himself in Newcastle colors on social media.

All eyes now turn to Aug. 25, when Newcastle hosts Liverpool in what is shaping up to be a pivotal fixture both on and off the pitch. The outcome of that contest, and the negotiations leading into it, could determine whether Newcastle dig in or relent under the weight of Liverpool’s record-breaking intent.

For Newcastle, the decision is stark. It could bank a huge fee that could reshape the squad, or risk prolonging a damaging standoff with its star striker. 

For Isak, the next steps may finally decide whether his future lies on Tyneside or elsewhere.