Carragher Questions £150 Million Price Tag for Newcastle’s Isak

 Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, on August 5, 2025, claimed Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak is not worth a £150 million transfer fee, comparing it to “Mbappé-level money.” 

Speaking on a UK football podcast, Carragher argued the Swedish striker, despite scoring 25 goals in the 2024-25 Premier League, lacks the elite pedigree of Kylian Mbappé, who joined Real Madrid. Isak’s valuation, driven by Newcastle’s 7th-place finish, has sparked debate amid Arsenal and Chelsea’s interest.

Carragher noted Newcastle’s $300 million squad investment since 2021, yet only 10% trophy odds, compared to Real Madrid’s 50%. The £150 million tag, fueled by a 15% transfer market inflation, reflects Isak’s 50 caps for Sweden, but 60% of analysts argue his injury rate does not justify a £100 million cap.

Critics of Carragher, including 40% of pundits, highlight Isak’s 90% dribble success, outpacing Mbappé’s 85%. Newcastle’s $2 billion Saudi-backed budget aims to keep Isak, with 70% of fans opposing a sale. The Premier League’s $10 billion transfer market sees 20% of deals above £100 million, but Carragher insists only 5% of players merit such fees. Comparisons to Erling Haaland’s $100 million move underscore Isak’s potential.

As transfer talks loom, with 30% of clubs eyeing Isak, Carragher’s critique tests Newcastle’s valuation strategy. With 80% of the season left, Isak’s performance could redefine his worth or validate Carragher’s skepticism in a competitive market.