Man Utd make decision on Isak transfer as striker tells Newcastle he wants to leave

Manchester United have decided against pursuing Newcastle United’s star striker Alexander Isak, despite his desire to leave St James’ Park, due to his £150m valuation.

The 25-year-old Swede, who scored 62 goals in 109 games for Newcastle since joining from Real Sociedad for £63m in 2022, informed the club of his intent to explore new opportunities, leading to his exclusion from their pre-season tour of Singapore and South Korea.

While Isak’s clinical finishing—boasting a 23.53% shot conversion rate, surpassed only by Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland last season—makes him one of Europe’s elite No. 9s, United’s financial constraints under Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) have ruled out a move.

The club’s £133.5m outlay on Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, coupled with Marcus Rashford’s loan to Barcelona, limits their budget, necessitating player sales to fund further signings.

Instead, United are focusing on RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, whose price has dropped to £60m-£70m, though Newcastle’s potential interest in Sesko as an Isak replacement could complicate matters.

United’s recruitment director, Christopher Vivell, is leveraging his Leipzig connections to push for Sesko, but the Magpies’ Champions League status and funds from a possible Isak transfer to Liverpool or Al Hilal could give them an edge.

United also explored Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, PSG’s Randal Kolo Muani, and Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic, but financial hurdles and competition—such as Chelsea’s signing of Liam Delap and Arsenal’s capture of Viktor Gyokeres—have narrowed their options.

The urgency for a new striker stems from United’s dismal 44-goal Premier League tally last season, with Rasmus Højlund struggling. Despite adding Cunha and Mbeumo, who combined for 35 goals last term, manager Ruben Amorim seeks a prolific frontman to fit his 3-4-2-1 system.

Isak’s departure could disrupt United’s plans further, as Newcastle’s pursuit of Sesko may drive up his price. With the Premier League season starting August 17, United face a race against time to bolster their attack, potentially starting without a new striker.