Newcastle accept Isak will leave this summer on 2 conditions

Newcastle United accept that Alexander Isak will leave this summer if their valuation is met, unless they qualify for the Champions League.

Spanish outlet Sport report that Alexander Isak has the ambition to make a step up this summer, and Newcastle United accept that he’ll leave if they receive an offer they consider fair. That means more than €100m (and likely more than £100m too, though the report doesn’t say it).

The one outstanding variable is whether Newcastle qualify for the Champions League. If they do, Sport claim the transfer will be blocked, or at least made even more expensive. The result is probably the same either way.

On that note, Newcastle’s 4-0 defeat to Manchester City at the weekend could be significant. Eddie Howe’s side are seventh, with only the top-five teams likely to make the Champions League. It could even just be the top four.

With Chelsea directly ahead of them and Fulham, Aston Villa, and even Brighton not too far behind, Newcastle can’t afford many slip-ups between now and the end of the season.

Indirectly, that’s good news for second-place Arsenal, as it means Newcastle should take their next two games against Nottingham Forest (third) and Liverpool (first) very seriously.

Two more defeats to the clubs above them would leave them floundering, and it would allow the trio behind them back into the Champions League race.

Sport are reporting on Isak due to Barcelona’s reported interest, but they also mention Arsenal among the clubs chasing the striker. If a move for Isak ends up being too tricky, Barcelona would reportedly turn to Luis Diaz of Liverpool.

“He’s a bright prospect. Newcastle are not bringing him in to be a first-team player straight away. You never know how quickly these players can progress. Does he stay with the Under-21s or do they loan him out? Obviously they will assess all of those options once he arrives.