Newcastle United

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

The Saudi Pro League is emerging as a possible destination for Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez this summer.

BBC Sport understands that a potential move to the Middle East for the Uruguay international has been explored this summer with intermediaries actively working on trying to broker a deal.

Al-Hilal, coached by former Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi, are interested in Nunez.

There is some uncertainty over whether Nunez is prepared to leave European football at this stage in his career.

Nunez has also been a target for Italian champions Napoli this summer while other European sides have also shown an interest.

Offloading Nunez would financially aid Liverpool's efforts to land Newcastle striker Alexander Isak this summer.

Both Al Hilal and Newcastle are owned by PIF, so if such a deal comes off, PIF could be allowing one of their clubs to benefit at the expense of another were Liverpool to pursue Isak with the funds.

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RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko "is not in Alexander Isak's league", says football writer Henry Winter.

Newcastle striker Isak's future at the club still remains in question after the Magpies rejected an offer from Liverpool last week.

Sesko is likely the top target to replace Isak but the 22-year-old is also admired by Manchester United.

"We have been talking about him for a long time and he's still only 22," Winter told BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast. "I can understand the interest in him and Arsenal were too but they found negotiating with RB Leipzig difficult.

"Leipzig love an add-on and possibly a sell-on as well, which is significant in a 22-year-old because of the money they can make down the road. He's not in Isak's league, or even in [Viktor] Gyokeres' league.

"I have seen a bit of him and 39 goals in 87 games for RB Leipzig is good but he can blow hot and cold. This is not so much a buyer beware, but I do think the price is slightly inflated. RB Leipzig are under no pressure to sell because if Xavi Simons goes to Chelsea then they have more money coming in. They are in a strong position.

"With Newcastle, you know what it is like up there. It can be so emotional and very febrile and the fans want to know that they are incredibly ambitious. They have brought Aaron Ramsdale in on loan in goal and they have bought Anthony Elanga for £50m on the right, but this is a club that craves its number nine.

"If Isak goes, which he probably will, and they get a figure between £110-150m, wit Newcastle seeming to be holding out for at least £130m, then they have to land Sesko."

We know the relationship between a football fan and their club is a special one so, as we gear up for the new season, we asked you to share why you fell in love with Newcastle and some of your favourite moments supporting them.

Here are some of your submissions:

Paul: I'm 68 years old this year and I have been lucky to see the Toon lift silverware twice. For the final of the Fairs Cup, I was there in the Leazes End when Bobby Moncur scored two goals in the 3-0 victory. 60,000 delirious Geordies singing the Blaydon Races. They could have heard us in Hungary!

I've been through the dark times of relegation and FA Cup humiliation (I still have nightmares about Hereford United) but here we are in 2025, with more silverware and the never-dying hope of greater things to come.

Newcastle is part of our DNA - you can't explain it. Either you are or you aren't Newcastle. No grey area!

Tee: In 1969, I was dragged to a Fairs Cup game by my older brother, because me ma said he should look after me. We were in what is now the East Stand. I was at the front playing with pebbles as I could hardly see over the wall!

Then, the place erupted and my brother grabbed me and picked me up screaming and shouting: "Frank Clark has just scored his first goal for Newcastle!"

He was virtually in tears.

The people around were grabbing each other and eventually my brother came to me and asked: ' What do you think about that?"

I grabbed him and then said: "Very good, so can we go home now?"

Needless to say we stayed. I became a diehard Toon supporter, who even now, nearly 60 years later, can say that I saw Frank Clark's one and only goal for the Toon because I was there!

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Manchester United are ready to match Newcastle's opening offer for RB Leipzig and Slovenia striker Benjamin Sesko, 22. (Sky Sports Germany), external

Newcastle are also eyeing a move for Paris St-Germain and Portugal striker Goncalo Ramos, 24, if a deal for Sesko falls through. (Daily Mail), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

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Newcastle drew 1-1 with Tottenham in a pre-season friendly in South Korea on Sunday.

Brennan Johnson opened the scoring early for Spurs before Harvey Barnes equalised with a fine strike shortly before half-time.

It is the first time Eddie Howe's side have avoided defeat in pre-season after losses to Celtic, Arsenal and the K-League stars.

Friendlies with La Liga sides Espanyol and Atletico Madrid at St James' Park now follow before the Magpies open their Premier League campaign away at Aston Villa on Saturday, 16 August.

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We asked for your reaction to Aaron Ramsdale's move to Newcastle on a season-long loan from Southampton.

Here are some of your comments:

Richard: What we really need between the sticks is a keeper with decent feet. Pope and Dubravka are very good shot stoppers but if you ever wondered what a stadium full of people sharply intaking their breath sounds like then go to St. James Park when Nick Pope gets a back pass! Modern keepers are expected to be able to distribute with their feet like another defender to break opponents' press. If Ramsdale's up to that then he's got my blessing.

Bob: Ramsdale is a quality keeper, just entering his prime with a great deal of experience. He'll learn a lot at Newcastle and should realise his potential.

Barry: Well liked by the fans who liked his enthusiasm and drive. Slightly bonkers at times but aren't all goalkeepers? Not good at fast long throws and not naturally two footed.

Chris: Aaron played for the Blades a few seasons ago. He was brilliant and marked out even then as a future England keeper. He likes being part of a passionate northern club and will fit in very well.

Alex: Ramsdale is the pragmatic transfer after Trafford chose Man City. He represents a positive, pragmatic choice in getting a proven English keeper who can replace or provide competition for Pope. A glimmer of light in what is looking like a dismal window for NUFC.

Les: Definitely play Ramsdale. Pope is a calamity. Every time the ball is played back to him we feel trepidation. Ramsdale is so much better. I'd keep Dubravka and try to sell Pope. Move onwards.

Jordan Butler
BBC Sport journalist

When Nick Pope started against Italy at the San Siro in September 2022, he became the first Newcastle goalkeeper to win a senior England cap for 121 years.

Three years later, the Magpies could now have another England international keeper on their books.

But Newcastle fans could be forgiven for any apprehension around potentially signing a goalkeeper that has suffered relegation with four different clubs.

Aaron Ramsdale was in the Southampton side that went down with 12 points last term and he also dropped out of the Premier League with Sheffield United in 2020-21, Bournemouth in 2019-20 and even endured a League Two demotion while on loan at Chesterfield seven years ago.

The 27-year-old conceded 66 goals and kept three top-flight clean sheets in a disastrous 2024-25 campaign for the Saints, with his numbers understandably below average because of playing behind such a porous defence.

His experience cannot be questioned, however, and he has 183 Premier League appearances to his name - only 38 fewer than Pope.

Ramsdale's Premier League career profile is similar to Eddie Howe's back-up keeper Martin Dubravka - both are less accomplished shot-stoppers than Pope, but more accurate passers.

Dubravka did well when called upon last term but he will turn 37 in January and the opportunity to sign a player almost 10 years younger with comparable ability could prove to be shrewd business.

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Aaron Ramsdale says Eddie Howe's influence was a "huge selling point" in his decision to join Newcastle United on a season-long loan.

The Magpies have secured a deal for the 27-year-old with Southampton but Ramsdale has history with Howe given the pair worked together at Bournemouth.

Ramsdale says Howe's "intensity" is something that "brings out the best in me".

"It's great to be here," Ramsdale said. "I've always loved coming here and I've seen how passionate and loud the fans can be. I've always loved playing here at St. James' Park - I've not always had the greatest of results, but when the fans get behind you it's some place.

"Coming to the stadium and seeing it empty today, it's quite surreal to think that this is going to be home for the foreseeable future. I've got the kit on, it's got the nice Champions League badge on the sleeve and I'm delighted to be here.

"Working with the manager and his coaching staff again were a big draw for me. They've already had a great influence on my career and the gaffer turned me from a man into a professional footballer at Bournemouth. He really showed me the ropes so the manager and his coaching staff were a huge selling point for me to come here."

Will Ramsdale play regularly? Let us know

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Manager Eddie Howe speaking from Newcastle's pre-season tour of Asia on Alexander Isak and Liverpool's rejected bid for the striker: "I think from my situation, I am very much removed from everything that is happening back home.

"I was made aware there was a bid yesterday. That bid was turned down before I heard about it. There are people back in England dealing with the situation.

"I really don't know what is going to happen next but, from our perspective, we still support Alex in every way and my wish is still that we see him in a Newcastle shirt again.

"The situation is far from ideal. It is quite complex. I think that is all I have got to say."

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It was a busy Friday, with Liverpool making a first official bid for Alexander Isak.

The Reds have tabled an offer of £110m, which was rejected by Newcastle United.

Champions Liverpool are prepared to walk away from negotiations and BBC Sport understands they do not think a deal for Isak is achievable this summer as it stands.

You can read more on the saga here and get fan thoughts and opinion on the page below.

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We asked for your views on how Alexander Isak's rumoured departure would impact Newcastle and if there would be any way back for the striker.

Here are some of your comments:

Ian: Nobody is bigger than the team, not him, not Harry Kane who is a far better player, nobody. Setback yes, disaster no. Ask any Spurs fan.

Philip: Isak has not helped the situation as I feel it is unreasonable for Isak to exit Newcastle when they are in the Champions League. He has three years on his contract and a compromise would be to keep him until end of season and then sell for the £150m asking price. Newcastle need to sign a replacement for Wilson and show Isak the club's ambition to hold on to him!

Guy: I think after many seasons we have finally developed a serious squad in defence, midfield and certainly in attack. To let Isak go would be disastrous to say the least. Players like that don't come round every day

James: Selling Isak would ruin our season. We don't have time to replace him. Liverpool left it too late, if they wanted him they should have bid at the start of the summer but they chose to prioritise Wirtz, Frimpong, Kerkez, etc. We should wait for Isak to finish sulking then offer him a new contract as our highest paid player with a release clause in excess of £180m. If he scores against Liverpool and celebrates in our first game back at St James' Park then all will be forgotten.

Colin: Isak isn't Newcastle's key player, no-one wants him to go but £150m and he can be replaced. But the club is moving so slowly, get Wissa in and get the squad sorted.

Neil: If we cannot secure a top-notch replacement we should hold on to Isak. He might take his bat home, but I doubt that. The fans are feeling hurt, of course, but will accept him if he comes back and puts the effort in.

Matthew Raisbeck
BBC Radio Newcastle reporter

Alexander Isak is Newcastle's best striker since Alan Shearer.

He is the player who scored the decisive goal at Wembley - one of many special moments in black and white - and he was worshipped on Tyneside.

But that relationship has been damaged.

There is an acceptance Newcastle need to become better at selling players.

It's something former sporting director Paul Mitchell alluded to last year to when he described their transfer strategy prior to his arrival as "not fit for purpose".

It is the first time since the takeover in October 2021 another club has come for one of their big names.

Many fans are worried about the impact on the dressing room and fear others will see a move away from St James' Park as the best thing for their careers.

The ownership have invested hundreds of millions of pounds in Newcastle over the last four years and the message is that they remain committed to taking the club to the top.

The Isak money, should they sell, will boost their PSR position and hopefully enable them to add more depth and quality to their squad - something they have really struggled to do in this transfer window.

It has certainly been a tough few months.

But, they were in a difficult place 12 months ago with PSR pressures, changes at executive level, and speculation about the manager's future. What followed was the most successful season the club has had.

With Eddie Howe in charge and some outstanding players in his squad, anything is possible.

Read more from Matthew Raisbeck and fans here

And subscribe to the Total Sport Newcastle United Podcast on BBC Sounds

Matty Renton
Fan writer

Newcastle fan contributor Matty Renton says he is ready to move on from Alexander Isak and is focused on the potential arrival of Benjamin Sesko.

He explains: "If we get that Isak money, there is no excuses - we have no PSR or FFP problems for a few years. We can rebuild, get Champions League ready and go again."

Find more from Matty Renton at The Magpie Channel, external

Meanwhile Lee Johnson from the Newcastle podcast True Faith told BBC Sport: "We've just had an amazing season, in which we won our first trophy in 70 years, and he helped us win that.

"The hope was that this summer would have been a transformation for ourselves but it seems to be turning into a bit of a nightmare now."

Supporter and True Faith podcaster Charlotte Robson added: "Make no mistake: losing Isak without a replacement ready would be catastrophic for Newcastle United.

"I don't think it is controversial to say it is going to be very difficult to progress in the Champions League without a striker in the squad."

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Any transfer for Alexander will be seen as a "business decision" by Newcastle and factoring in time to buy his replacement will be key, says ESPN senior writer Mark Ogden.

Liverpool have now had an official bid for Isak rejected by Newcastle.

The Reds are already the top spenders so far this summer and it is expected they would have to pay a British-record fee for Isak's services.

"These transfers don't happen out of nowhere," Ogden told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.

"If Liverpool are sitting there comfortable and confident that Isak is going to be their player then it is because they probably know he wants to join them.

"Liverpool are a very, very appealing proposition to any player. We have to say that they are one of the biggest clubs in the world. Premier League champions right now, they are the place to be in the Premier League so they would appeal to anybody.

"If you are Alexander Isak – peak of your career, you want to win trophies, you are playing in the Champions League with Newcastle next season but, right now, it is who is going to offer you the best chance of winning the Champions League and the Premier League? It is Liverpool.

"Liverpool are sat there knowing they can get the deal done. If Newcastle's owners want to play hardball then they can do it, but football is run like a business. The view of the fans might be emotional but people in charge of things will not be emotional and if they think they can get £150m for this player having paid around £60m for him three year ago, they will be thinking they can invest that money in three or four top players.

"It will come down to a business decision and Liverpool probably know that.

"I think it will continue this summer, unless Newcastle make a decision that they want to end this now and get players in.

"But can you imagine Isak leaving for Liverpool, then having to play for Liverpool at St. James' Park a week into the season? That would be a really bad look for Newcastle.

"I think ultimately he will go to Liverpool, but he has to go with enough time that Newcastle can replace him. But the options to replace him aren't really there any more."

Listen to the full discussion on BBC Sounds

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Newcastle have a "battle plan" to keep Alexander Isak, but they would be "blowing up their season" if they let the striker go without replacing him, says The Telegraph's Luke Edwards.

After being left out of the Magpies' travelling squad for pre-season and now training at his former club Real Sociedad, Isak's future on Tyneside remains uncertain.

"Newcastle war-gamed for this scenario for a long, long time - they knew it was coming," Edwards told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily.

"They have always had this idea – a battle plan, if you like – that they would hold the line. They would dig in and resist and whatever happened, whatever tactics people used to try and unsettle Alexander Isak, they would resist.

"It all depends on how badly does Isak want to behave now? He hasn't said he wants to stay at Newcastle, but hasn't said he wants to go either.

"If he stays, which I don't think is beyond the realms of possibility, what has he actually done? He has never said anything.

"For me, he hasn't done enough at the moment to force Newcastle's hand. The question, is he going to come out in the next couple of weeks and directly say 'I want to go', because if he doesn't, I think Newcastle will continue to resist."

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Having already let Callum Wilson leave and missed out on target Hugo Ekitike, Newcastle would find themselves very light in the forward ranks if Isak was to leave.

"I still think there is a very good chance he stays," Edwards added. "If Newcastle can get Sesko and Wissa in, then we all know the direction of travel. That is probably unlocking the door and shipping him off to Liverpool before the deadline.

"If they can't find a replacement and they let him go, I think they are blowing up their season on their return to the Champions League before it has even begun.

"It would cause the collapse of this entire team."

Listen to the full discussion on BBC Sounds

Do you agree with Edwards' verdict on Newcastle's situation?

Is there any way back for Isak?

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On Monday, we asked you to tell us why you fell in love with Newcastle and some of your favourite moments supporting them.

You have already been getting in touch with your photos and stories and here is just a taste from Bob:

"I was living in a small Northumberland village as an 11-year-old in 1955. Newcastle had got to their third FA Cup final in five years, but I hadn't taken much notice of the 1951 and 1952 wins.

"We had just bought our first television set; a small, 12-inch black-and-white thing, but it was the only one in the village. Come the day, Dad, who was in the village football team, had invited all his mates and anyone else from the village who wanted to come to our house to see the game. The sitting room was laid out full of chairs, in rows, one row behind the other. The room was full, with me on the floor in the front.

"The game started and we were 1-0 up after only 45 seconds with a Jackie Milburn header, going on to beat Manchester City 3-1, and I was hooked.

"I have followed them ever since, through all the years, and to this day I still can't get enough of them: reading about them, watching them, listening to podcasts etc. I've watched the dross, and the best, ie Keegan, Robson and Howe. I felt sometimes as a Newcastle fan over the years I was a glutton for punishment but, once a fan, always a fan!"

Join the conversation and send your best photos about why you love Newcastle.

Your first visit to the stadium? A special kit? An amazing away trip?

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Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe says it is "business as usual" for his players despite the transfer speculation surrounding Alexander Isak and insists "nothing has changed" regarding the striker's future at the club.

Speaking about the situation following the Magpies' pre-season friendly defeat by K-League XI, Howe said: "Nothing has changed. It is very much the mindset of business as usual for the players.

"You don't get a chance to think of anything other than training or the next game when you come on these tours. The level is so high that we still have to be at our best.

"Naturally, we are going to miss a player of his quality and the group are going to feel that. I cannot sit here and claim that they won't, but they are a very professional group of players.

"They are doing brilliantly, as far as I can see, in terms of managing the current situation."

William Osula has played around 70 minutes in the past two pre-season games and Howe recognises this is an opportunity for the 21-year-old to stake his claim.

"It is a great chance for him to showcase what he brings and what he is about," Howe said.

"I thought he looked better against K-League XI than against Celtic. He looked fitter and sharper. His attitude was very good and he looked hungry to get in the right positions to try to score.

"I think every member of our squad has to be ready to play. We don't have the biggest squad so every person has to contribute and I would have no hesitation picking anyone to start."

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter

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Brentford striker Yoane Wissa continues to train away from the first team amid uncertainty over his future and interest from multiple rival clubs.

The 28-year-old arrived at training on time before meeting manager Keith Andrews and sporting director Phil Giles to indicate his preference to continue training alone.

Wissa has previously threatened he will never play for Brentford again in past talks with Giles amid reports a £25m bid from Newcastle was rejected last week.

Tottenham and Nottingham Forest are also believed to be interested in the Congo international.

Andrews is preparing his team to face QPR on Saturday which will also be the first time he speaks about the situation publicly.