Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher says he would pay Newcastle's eye-watering asking price of £150million to sign Alexander Isak.
Isak, 25, got an in-form Newcastle going with an early goal during Monday's convincing 2-0 win against Manchester United. His first-half header took him to 12 goals for the season, having scored in his last six Premier League games.
The Swedish striker is still under contract with St James' Park until 2028, but Newcastle wants to give him a new contract amid interest from English clubs and abroad. Boss Eddie Howe has described the situation as 'complex' due to the Magpies' ongoing battle to avoid flouting financial fair play rules. The Telegraph recently reported that Isak is valued at £150 million.
That is a fee Carragher would be willing to pay, with Liverpool – who could be forced to find a replacement for Mo Salah next summer – among the clubs linked with his signature. “Alexander, I absolutely adore you,” the ex-Reds defender told Isak when interviewing him for Sky Sports after the match. “I think you are a fantastic player and if I had 150 million euros, I would pay to have you at any club.”
Carragher then stated that he believes Isak is playing as well as 'any striker in Europe', having said earlier on Monday evening: “He's not just a goalscorer, you see some of his touches, and I can never see the first time forget.” I've seen him play live.
“It was a few years ago, maybe two or three years ago at Anfield, very early in the season, he scored a goal, he was running through, and the thing about him is, when he gets the chance to score or he's He has to finish. He is one of those strikers that you never expect to miss. He always has that composure in front of goal.
“When he's in position, sometimes with attackers, they can be a bit sloppy or a bit loose in possession. When you see him he's moving, he's moving with the ball, he's not just waiting in the penalty area .” for the ball.
“He can play as a goalkeeper, he can score goals, he can make runs behind. I actually think he could almost play as a number 10, he could probably almost play with another striker because he has the ability to actually to play.” come in and get the ball.
“He's just been a sensation, and there have been a lot of great signings, we have to say, under Eddie Howe. He's the best striker in the Premier League at the moment, and I don't think it's close at the moment.” I think he's the real standout.”
Former United captain Gary Neville added: “You could really see the quality of his play and his movement tonight. He is absolutely fantastic and he is constantly improving. We know he can score goals, we know he can run, but also his grip. his play and his relationship with others have gone from strength to strength since joining Newcastle.
“I think he is the best striker in the country at the moment purely because I watch Erling Haaland a lot. He is a world-class striker but his overall game is nowhere near Isak's level at the moment .I think Isak could do whatever he wanted in this game sometimes.
“It was a really good night for him and he has had a devastating December. The match was won by this man in the first 20 minutes.”
Carragher and Neville's ex-teammate for Liverpool and United respectively, Michael Owen, agrees with the duo, telling Premier League Productions: “It's a wonderful feeling for a striker. He's top class in every way. He oozes class .He is seriously good and Newcastle have done well to get him, develop him and nurture him.
“He won't be on the market, but he would be one of the most sought-after players. In that position he could walk into any team in the Premier League.”
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