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The Swedish striker is at the epicentre of an increasingly bitter tug-of-war between the Magpies and Liverpool, with a seismic £150million transfer hanging in the balance.

Once adored as the crown jewel of St James' Park, Isak's bond with the Geordie faithful has been shattered into a million jagged pieces amid reports he's refusing to play for the club again - even if a transfer away fails to materialise.

Interest from elsewhere was inevitable, but with three years remaining on his contract and a daunting £150m price tag designed to deter all but the boldest of suitors, keeping Isak at Newcastle this summer looked a formality - initially, at least.



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Liverpool's relentless pursuit changed everything.

But by this point, the Swede was already weighing up his options amid whispers of Liverpool interest.

Later on in early summer, it emerged that Isak wanted £300,000 a week to entertain signing a new deal, but Newcastle could only afford to offer him £200,000 - an increase of at least £50,000 on his current deal.

Ekitike signed for Liverpool, and almost immediately, Isak informed Newcastle he wanted to "explore his options" - the polite way of saying: let me join Liverpool.

Newcastle were left in disarray.

Then came reports that Isak was ready to reintegrate and even commit to a new contract if a transfer fell through - only for a fresh bombshell to emerge, seemingly dashing any hope of a truce.

On Tuesday, The Athletic reported that Isak is resolute: he has no intention of returning to Newcastle and is "adamant" he has played his final game for the club.

He made it clear that the 2024/25 season would be his last at St James' Park - though some at Newcastle dispute this.

According to The Times, Isak has already moved out of his Northumberland home, which has since been put back on the rental market - an unmistakable signal of his determination to force a departure.

As the transfer deadline hurtles toward its inexorable close like a freight train through the fog, Isak's insurrection stands as a stark reminder of the fragility of footballing love affairs, where yesterday's idol can become tomorrow's exile in the blink of an eye.

Whether Newcastle capitulate or Liverpool walk away, this saga's radioactive fallout promises to haunt St James' Park for seasons to come, a cautionary tale of promises broken and ambitions unbound.

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