Barça already knows the prohibitive starting price that Newcastle would have put on Alexander Isak

One of the positions that FC Barcelona has shown interest in reinforcing is the forward position, specifically the '9' position, where Robert Lewandowski plays as the main offensive reference. However, the need to find a reliable successor to prepare for the departure of the Polish forward is becoming evident. Even though 'Lewy' still has a contract with the club until 2026, it is crucial to plan his succession subtly and securely for the club.

In this regard, one of the names that has been strongly rumored to reinforce Barcelona is the 25-year-old Swedish forward, Alexander Isak. The Solna native has more than enough credentials to join the Blaugrana. He already has a positive experience in LaLiga after his time at Real Sociedad from the 2019-20 season to the 2022-23 season (132 matches, 44 goals, and eight assists), and currently, he is emerging as one of the best 'killers' in the 2024-25 Premier League season, with 11 goals in 16 matches.

Isak has shown his ability to shine against the top teams in the English league, such as Chelsea (one goal), Arsenal (1) and Liverpool (1). Furthermore, he is on an impressive goal-scoring streak, with seven goals in the last five matches. His performance is simply unstoppable.

Despite the strong sporting arguments supporting this option, and considering that Alexander Isak would arrive at Barcelona at a good moment at 25 years old, with a potential for further growth and to be a valuable acquisition to strengthen the Catalan team both in the present and the future, there is a significant obstacle complicating his signing: the financial aspect.

The prohibitive price set by Newcastle for Alexander Isak

Newcastle United, the current club of Alexander Isak who was acquired in the summer of 2022 for around €70 million from Real Sociedad, seems unwilling to part ways with their star in the short term. As reported by the English newspaper 'The Guardian', the Magpies have set a prohibitive price of around £150 million, equivalent to about €180 million, to transfer the Swedish striker. This amount is unaffordable for Barcelona under any circumstances.

It is important to remember that Newcastle secured the services of Alexander Isak until June 30, 2028, giving them significant negotiation power. By setting such a high price, Eddie Howe's side clearly indicates their strong intention to retain one of their stars.

Is Barcelona's interest in Alexander Isak fading?

Now, it will be crucial to see if other clubs interested in Isak, such as Chelsea or Arsenal, would be willing to pay this considerable sum, which could potentially leave Barcelona without the option to sign the Swede. While Alexander seems to be favored by the Barcelona sports management, he is not the only alternative being considered to reinforce the attacking line.

Other players like Viktor Gyökeres from Sporting Club of Portugal or Erling Haaland from Manchester City are also being considered, although they are economically challenging options. We will have to wait for the next summer transfer window to see how the negotiations unfold.