Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net

Alexander Isak and Newcastle United are at a bitter impasse, with the star striker angling for an exit.

However, the Swede's career trajectory could have been different had he left his former club Real Sociedad for another Premier League giant three years ago.

Since his arrival in 2022, Isak has taken the Premier League by storm, improving on his debut league goal tally of 10 with 21 two seasons ago and 23 last time out.



It's no surprise that a club like the reigning champion has caught his eye, but he has had admirers in England since his days in Spain.

Mirror Football has taken a look below.

Manchester City's preference for Erling Haaland

After catching Borussia Dortmund's attention while playing in his native Sweden, Isak signed for the German side but moved to Spain in 2019 after struggling for game time?

Manchester City signed Erling Haaland instead of Alexander Isak.

The Athletic reported in the summer of 2022 that the Norwegian was Guardiola's top priority, ahead of Isak, and Haaland's arrival even convinced him to sign a new contract with the club.

Guardiola got his wish when Haaland's £51M ($69M) Dortmund release clause was triggered that July, and he has since become a two-time Premier League Golden Boot winner, netting 85 league goals since 2022, compared to Isak's 54, who landed in England a few months later.

Read More

Manchester United's 'tempting' Alexander Isak offer

City weren't the only Manchester club admiring Isak, as rivals Manchester United reportedly made a 'juicy offer' to the Swede that summer.

Mundo Deportivo reported that before Isak finalized his £63M ($85.5M) switch to Newcastle, the Red Devils, then under the leadership of Erik ten Hag, had been in contact with his representatives, who persuaded the striker to reject their proposal.

Sociedad never received a bid from United for Isak, and having missed out on his signature, Ten Hag kicked off his first season at the helm with Cristiano Ronaldo spearheading the attack, although that notoriously only lasted until November.

Arsenal's 'overpriced' release clause regret

Arsenal were among the clubs that had Isak on their radar before he signed for Newcastle United, and they perhaps came the closest to securing his signature with an informal offer.


For more news relating to Manchester United, visit our sister site MUFC Live.