Al-Hilal ramp up talks to sign Alexander Isak

Saudi Pro League Al-Hilal are ramping up talks to sign Newcastle United centre-forward Alexander Isak (25), according to a report from L’Equipe. For several days, the PIF-owned Riyad-based outfit has entered the negotiating table to convince the Magpies – also owned by PIF – to part ways with the Sweden international centre-forward, who impressed last season with 27 goals and six assists in 42 games.

Al-Hilal are in the market for a centre-forward. The SPL side has reached an agreement with Napoli to sign Victor Osimhen, but the former Lille OSC centre-forward is poised to sign for Galatasaray on a permanent basis after spending the previous campaign on loan with the Süper Lig giants. Al-Hilal then considered Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who is expected to return to Marseille, before moving on to a bigger fish.

The daunting prospect of signing Isak, due to his age, his worth and his suitors, would represent an extremely difficult task, but Al-Hilal would like to try their luck. Talks with the player’s entourage has already started and the SPL side now knows it would take a €130m transfer fee for Isak to leave St. James’ Park. Isak has agreed to open negotiations with Al-Hilal, not necessarily for a transfer, but as a way to listen to their financial and sporting arguments.

With interest in Isak brewing, Newcastle United are looking to bolster Eddie Howe’s options up front. L’Equipe understands that the Magpies are making progress to sign Brentford FC’s Yoane Wissa. But Thomas Frank’s Tottenham are also said to monitor the former FC Lorient striker.

GFFN | Bastien Cheval

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