Newcastle United face setback in pursuit of €100 million Real Madrid star
Speculation continues to grow around the future of Brazilian forward Rodrygo, with several Premier League clubs monitoring his situation closely.
Reports from Spanish journalist Guillem Balague suggest that Real Madrid remain unconvinced the 24-year-old would be open to a move to Newcastle United, even if the Magpies were to step up their long-standing interest.
While Newcastle have been linked with Rodrygo throughout the summer, no formal bid has been placed.
The Brazilian attacker has seen little playing time under new manager Xabi Alonso and that has increased speculation about his future, linking him with a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu.
Real Madrid feel Rodrygo is not interested in Newcastle United
Madrid’s initial stance was to demand around €100 million, but insiders believe the La Liga giants could soften their stance if an offer in the region of €60 million arrives late in the window.
Such a fee would represent a significant discount, particularly given Rodrygo’s Champions League pedigree and the fact that he has often been relied upon in high-pressure matches at Real madrid.
The uncertainty has alerted several Premier League clubs. Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Tottenham Hotspur are all keeping a close eye on developments. Despite their admiration, none of these clubs have yet taken concrete steps to test
Arsenal reportedly considered a loan-to-buy approach earlier in the summer, while Liverpool are understood to be evaluating their options should they fail in their pursuit of Alexander Isak.
Rodrygo is believed to prefer remaining at a Champions League-contending side in Spain or moving to a European giant, casting doubt on his willingness to join the Magpies. Even with Newcastle’s financial power, convincing him to join their project could prove difficult.
A lot depends on what happens with Isak and whether he leaves the club for a move to join Liverpool.
The Magpies are preparing for an eventful end to the summer transfer window.
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The ‘broken’ promise Newcastle United insiders think Alexander Isak is talking about
Alexander Isak has claimed that promises were ‘broken’ as he finally speaks out about his Newcastle United future.
A lot has been written about Alexander Isak this summer, but the forward had not addressed the situation himself until Tuesday night.
Isak released a statement on his Newcastle United future, stating that the trust between the club and himself has gone and that it is best for everybody if he is allowed to leave.
In response, Newcastle released a statement on Isak. They proclaimed that no promises were made, and that Isak will be reintegrated into the squad when he is ready.
Most importantly, the club made it clear that they do not envision the 25-year-old being sold this summer.
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Newcastle United think Alexander Isak is alluding to his 2024 contract snub
But what are the ‘promises’ that Isak believes have been broken? That is where the confusion lies for Newcastle United.
According to the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope on X, the belief is that Isak is referring to being promised an improved contract by Amanda Staveley in early 2024, only for Paul Mitchell to change the club’s stance upon his arrival that summer.
Within a week of Mitchell becoming sporting director, Staveley and her husband Mehrdad Ghodoussi left St James’ Park. They sold their shares and ended their association with Newcastle United.
When they departed, Mitchell’s stance on Isak was that he still had a long-term contract until 2028 and that he was still one of Newcastle’s highest-earners. Therefore, a new contract on improved terms was not a priority for a club that was already restricted by PSR.
