When Newcastle United fans thought the striker chase had narrowed to just two names – Jorgen Strand Larsen and Yoane Wissa – a shock twist emerged.
Behind the headlines and speculation, a new £65m deal is in motion, and it changes everything about Alexander Isak’s future at the club.
Behind Closed Doors in Darras Hall
On Monday afternoon, while the spotlight was firmly on St James’ Park for Newcastle’s clash with Liverpool, another high-stakes event was taking place just a few miles away.
At a luxury mansion in Darras Hall, a line-up of expensive cars and sharply dressed men hinted at serious business.
Among them were Newcastle co-owner Jamie Reuben and Jacobo Solis, a representative of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.
Their mission was clear: convince Alexander Isak to stay.
Inside the mansion, Isak and his camp made their position brutally clear – he does not want to stay and he will not play.
By the time Isak’s G-Wagon rolled back out through the gates, it was obvious Newcastle were facing a transfer crisis.
The Isak Standoff
Isak’s stance has remained firm for weeks.
He feels promises were broken, he hasn’t spoken to Eddie Howe in over a week, and he is unwilling to even discuss a new contract.
Club insiders say his relationships inside Newcastle are fractured, and he won’t reverse his decision.
While Newcastle hoped the situation might soften after deadline day, the reality is harsh – Isak wants out, and he’s willing to hold his ground.
A Surprise Name Emerges
After weeks of frustration in the striker market, Newcastle finally have a breakthrough.
Sources revealed that a £65m deal has been struck for Stuttgart forward Nick Woltemade.
The 23-year-old German international is expected in Tyneside for a medical, marking the Magpies’ first major attacking signing of the summer.
This move is significant not just for Newcastle’s attack but also for Isak’s future.
With Woltemade incoming, and possibly another striker to follow, selling Isak suddenly looks like a real option.
Why Larsen Won’t Happen
Newcastle had pushed hard for Jorgen Strand Larsen, with two bids rejected – the latest worth £55m.
However, Wolves have no intention of selling.
Sources say chairman Jeff Shi is determined to keep him, viewing the striker as essential to their Premier League survival.
Even the involvement of super-agent Jorge Mendes couldn’t move the deal forward, and Newcastle now accept that Larsen won’t be leaving Wolves this summer.
Wissa Waiting on Brentford
Meanwhile, Yoane Wissa has made it clear he wants the Newcastle move.
His representatives are already in London, waiting for the call to travel north.
The striker dreams of wearing the No.9 shirt and playing Champions League football under Howe.
But Brentford are holding firm until they secure a replacement.
They’ve been linked with several forwards, even speaking to England boss Thomas Tuchel about Max Beier at Dortmund.
The clock is ticking, and Newcastle are running out of patience.
Liverpool Lurking for Isak
Liverpool are still circling. After encouraging Isak’s camp earlier in the summer, they’re expected to return with a second bid if Woltemade completes his move.
Insiders suggest an offer above £130m could tempt Newcastle into selling.
The club’s position is clear: no strikers in, no deal. One striker in, and there’s a decision to be made.
Two strikers in, and Isak almost certainly leaves.
A Summer of Poker Faces
This transfer saga has been a game of poker from the start.
Newcastle tried to reassure Isak, pointing to their striker pursuits, but his stance hasn’t changed.
Time is running out, and the next four days could define the club’s season.
Will Wissa arrive in time? Will Woltemade’s deal go through? And most importantly, will Isak finally get his move?
For now, Newcastle’s “Reservoir Dogs” have started to show their teeth – but whether they bite remains to be seen.
