Barcelona are reportedly interested in signing Newcastle United's Alexander Isak, viewing the Sweden international as the ideal long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski.
The Catalan giants are planning to move for a new number nine this summer; Jonathan David had allegedly been a major target, but the La Liga outfit appear to have now cooled their interest in the Lille forward.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Isak is viewed as the club's leading target, with the 25-year-old developing into one of the best forwards in European football during his time at St James' Park.
Isak has scored 15 goals and registered four assists in 22 appearances for the Magpies this season, while his overall record for his Premier League club stands at 50 goals and nine assists in 89 appearances.
There is no release clause in the forward's contract, but it is likely that Newcastle would want in the region of £100m for the Swede considering his profile, with the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United also believed to be keen.
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Barcelona 'determined to land Isak from Newcastle'
Isak has considerable experience of playing in Spain, turning out for Real Sociedad on 132 occasions, scoring 44 goals and registering eight assists, including 33 goals and five assists in 105 La Liga matches.
Barcelona's financial situation will make it difficult for them to sign Isak, but the Catalan outfit should be in a better position come the summer, while there are set to be departures in the next couple of transfer windows.
Ansu Fati, Ferran Torres, Frenkie de Jong and Eric Garcia are among those being linked with exits, while a big-money departure for Ronald Araujo, who is being heavily linked with Juventus, would also help Barcelona's situation enormously.
Barcelona allegedly believe that Isak has the perfect playing style to complement their team, with the Swede potentially thriving alongside Lamine Yamal and Raphinha in the final third of the field.
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Will Lewandowski still be at Barcelona next season?
Lewandowski has been in excellent form for Barcelona during the 2024-25 campaign, scoring 25 goals and registering two assists in 26 appearances in all competitions.
The striker has been back to his best this term, managing 16 La Liga goals and seven in the Champions League, while his contract is due to run until June 2026, with the option of a further 12 months.
Lewandowski is set to spend at least one more campaign at Barcelona, but if it becomes clear that Isak is attainable this summer, and a big-money offer from Saudi Arabia arrives for their current forward, then the Catalan outfit would be left with a big decision to make.
Matt Law
