How Alexander Isak’s transfer request could push Man United into another Bryan Mbeumo situation

 Manchester United’s search for a new striker has taken them right across the continent, with links to some of the biggest names in the game.

Finding someone who can improve on Rasmus Hojlund’s 2024/25 campaign shouldn’t be too hard. The Danish forward managed only 10 goals across all competitions, so there’s plenty of room for improvement.

The summer started with United eyeing up Liam Delap at Ipswich Town. His £30m release clause seemed like decent value, but he ended up choosing Chelsea instead, drawn by the lure of Champions League football.

Attention then turned to Viktor Gyokeres at Sporting CP, but that pursuit also came to nothing. Arsenal are now close to finalising his signing, leaving United once again empty-handed.

Liverpool have also entered the picture, signing Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt in a deal worth £79m. This leaves Manchester United with fewer options as they continue their search for a striker.

Manchester United not in the running for Alexander Isak, but Ineos could still feel the effects

The striker hunt has dominated headlines this summer, not just at United but across the Premier League. On Thursday, the landscape shifted again as Alexander Isak pushed to leave Newcastle, sending fresh ripples through the league.

TBR Football reports that Liverpool are willing to spend up to £150m on Isak, even after securing Ekitike’s deal. While the Red Devils don’t have the transfer budget to compete in that race, it doesn’t mean they won’t feel the impact of the Swede’s transfer request.

Graeme Bailey, United in Focus‘ transfer correspondent, spoke to us about how the noise around Isak could affect Man United.

“Isak is ‘exploring his options’ does that include Manchester United…unfortunately not, but let’s not rule out the ramifications for United here.

“Newcastle are likely going to need a replacement and that could be a Benjamin Sesko, Ollie Watkins or Nicolas Jackson – United will be a bit worried about this new possible wrinkle in their plans.”

The club are believed to be making a serious push for Watkins as an option to strengthen their forward line this window. However, Newcastle’s interest could make things more difficult.

The same goes for their interest in Sesko and Jackson. Ineos may have no choice but to move quickly if they want to avoid losing out again.

Manchester United may have to act fast as Newcastle add pressure to striker search

United might be keeping an eye on the possibility of Newcastle landing a national record transfer fee for Isak. That kind of windfall would give them plenty of muscle in the market, especially with both clubs reportedly looking at similar targets.

If that scenario plays out, Newcastle could easily outspend United for any forward they’re after. On top of that, selling clubs would be well aware that Eddie Howe’s side are suddenly flush with cash.

It might put United in a position where they either have to pay over the odds or look further down their shortlist. But it could also lead them down a path similar to how they landed Bryan Mbeumo.

Last week, Newcastle made a move for Mbeumo’s Brentford teammate Yoane Wissa, but the club were only willing to let one of them go. That pushed United to finalise their deal for Mbeumo quickly, getting it done just a day later.

We could see something like that again, with Newcastle’s actions pushing United into making moves more rapidly than they otherwise might have.

Ineos could avoid being forced into action by getting ahead of things early, though there isn’t much indication right now that will happen soon.