Alexander Isak is one of the strikers highly valued by FC Barcelona as potential successors to Robert Lewandowski. The Swedish international has scored 19 goals and provided 5 assists in 28 matches, but his price is almost prohibitive for the culé finances heading into next summer. However, Newcastle could send their star player to Catalonia through a swap that would generate an unexpected exchange of cards.
Recent reports indicate the 'Magpies' interest in Raphinha, a player whose performance significantly surpasses what Isak has done so far in the 24/25 season. The Brazilian has exploded since Hansi Flick took over the bench at Barcelona, scoring 23 goals and providing 14 assists in 34 matches. The winger has been on the English team's radar for several seasons, but the '11' has always made it clear that he intends to make a mark in Barcelona. Still, at St. James Park, they dream of Rafa and are willing to sacrifice their top scorer to have him.
Newcastle Defines Its Strategy with Isak: Renewal or Million-Dollar Sale
In this regard, the 'Magpies' seem to have a clear strategy with Isak. Although the '14' has a contract until June 2028, the Newcastle board hopes to renew him soon to adjust his salary. However, if the striker refuses to negotiate with the club, he will be put up for sale. That said, his transfer will not close for less than 100-120 million euros, as his arrival in 2022 involved an expenditure of 70 'kilos' for the 'black-and-white' team. In fact, rumors set his exit price at 150M€.
This season, Alexander earns 7.3M€ gross per year, a low salary compared to other scorers in the Premier League, such as Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland. In principle, the idea of those at St. James Park is to raise his earnings to about 15M€ per season, a figure that Barça could match without too many problems.
What is indeed a complicated obstacle is the cost of the purchase, which is why the swap route could be key to advancing the operation, as long as Raphinha gives the 'ok'. The Brazilian has a contract until 2027 and, for now, remains convinced of staying at the club, as he is experiencing the best moment of his career. Rafa's value has skyrocketed to 80 'kilos' and he could easily finish the season above 100M€. His release clause is 1,000M€.