Newcastle's Striker Domino Effect: Isak to Liverpool?

Well, if you thought the end of the transfer window was going to be a quiet one on Tyneside, you might want to think again. It seems like the situation at Newcastle United is anything but settled. Far from just bringing players in, the club could be on the verge of a major shake-up in their forward line, with stars like Alexander Isak and prospect Will Osula both potentially heading for the exit door at St James' Park.

Key Highlights

• ✓Newcastle United might end up selling striker Alexander Isak to Liverpool.
• ✓German club Bayer Leverkusen is reportedly interested in signing young Newcastle forward Will Osula.
• ✓Leverkusen's move for Osula is dependent on their current striker, Victor Boniface, completing a transfer to AC Milan.
• ✓Eddie Howe seems to lack trust in Osula, who cost the club £15m in the summer of 2024.
• ✓Newcastle are desperately scrambling for new strikers before the summer transfer window closes in September.

It’s shaping up to be a frantic end to the summer for the Magpies, who are in a real race against time. The whole situation is a tangled web of potential deals that could have a massive domino effect, not just in the Premier League, but across Europe.

A Striker Conundrum at St James' Park

Let's be honest, it’s no secret that Newcastle have been scouring the market for a new striker, maybe even two. They’ve been linked with several names but have unfortunately missed out on targets like Joao Pedro, Hugo Ekitike, and Benjamin Sesko. This has left them scrambling to get someone over the line before the transfer window slams shut at the start of September.

The urgency is cranked up to eleven when you look at their current squad. With Callum Wilson's contract expiring and Isak in a state of "self-imposed exile," Newcastle’s only natural striker option is the young Will Osula. And here’s the kicker: it seems manager Eddie Howe doesn't fully trust him. We saw clear evidence of this in the Premier League opener against Aston Villa, where winger Anthony Gordon was chosen to start up front as a number nine instead.

Osula, a 22-year-old Denmark U21 international, has had a really tough time since his move from Sheffield United back in 2024. Despite the club shelling out a total of £15m for him just 12 months ago, his game time has been incredibly limited. He started just three games last season, all in domestic cups, and has only seen a single minute of action in the current campaign. It’s a tough spot for a young player looking to make his mark.

The German Connection: A Way Out for Osula?

Just when it seems things couldn't get more complicated, a new development has emerged from Germany. According to Sky Sport Germany's transfer expert, Florian Plettenberg, Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen has shown interest in signing Osula. This isn't just a random link; there’s a clear reason behind their interest, and it all revolves around another striker: Victor Boniface.

You see, Leverkusen are bracing for the departure of Boniface, the Nigeria international. His proposed transfer to Serie A giants AC Milan is reportedly "edging closer." However, the deal isn't quite done and dusted. Milan's medical team is exercising extra caution, putting Boniface through extended examinations before finalizing a loan deal that includes an option to buy.

💡 What's Interesting: The hold-up in the Boniface deal stems from his past injury record. He has suffered two cruciate ligament ruptures earlier in his career, making AC Milan understandably cautious before committing to the transfer.

The Transfer Domino Effect Looms Large

This is where it all gets connected. Leverkusen's interest in Osula is entirely dependent on Boniface's move to Milan getting the green light. If that deal goes through, Leverkusen will need a replacement, and Osula has emerged as a possible target. For Newcastle, this presents both an opportunity and a massive headache.

On one hand, they could cash in on a player who doesn’t seem to be in the manager’s plans. Despite being under contract at St James' Park until June 30, 2029, Osula could be allowed to leave in search of the regular first-team football he clearly isn't getting. Recouping some or all of that £15m fee would certainly be a bonus for the transfer budget.

Opening the Door for Isak's Liverpool Move

But here’s the other side of the coin. If Newcastle sell Osula, their already thin striker department becomes virtually non-existent. This would mean they don't just need one or two new forwards; they might need a third. The pressure to bring in reinforcements would be immense, and this is exactly what could "open the door for Isak to join Liverpool."

It sounds counterintuitive to solve a striker shortage by selling your star striker, but in the world of football finance, it can sometimes make sense. A big-money sale of Alexander Isak to a club like Liverpool would provide a massive influx of cash, potentially allowing Newcastle to fund a complete overhaul of their attack with multiple new signings. It’s a high-risk, high-reward strategy, especially so late in the window.

The club's bosses are facing a real dilemma. Do they hold onto players who are either unsettled or not in the manager's immediate plans, or do they sanction their sales to fund a frantic, last-minute spending spree? One thing is for sure: Newcastle will sign at least one player before the deadline, but the question is who will be coming in, and who will be going out.

Conclusion

The bottom line is that Newcastle United are at the center of a fascinating and complex transfer web as the deadline approaches. A medical in Milan for Victor Boniface could trigger a move for Will Osula to Germany, which in turn could be the catalyst for a blockbuster Premier League transfer sending Alexander Isak to Anfield. It's a classic transfer saga where one move directly impacts another.

For the fans, it's a nervy and exciting time. The next few days will be absolutely crucial in defining how Eddie Howe's squad looks for the season ahead. Whether Isak, Osula, or even both end up leaving St James' Park remains to be seen, but it’s guaranteed to be a very busy and dramatic end to the summer on Tyneside.