Alexander Isak Transfer Saga: Potential Liverpool Move, Eddie Howe’s Update, and Arne Slot’s Visit
The long-running Alexander Isak transfer saga is approaching a potential conclusion just ahead of Newcastle’s Premier League clash with Liverpool on Monday.
This summer, speculation has swirled over whether Isak will remain at Newcastle after three seasons or seek a departure from St James’ Park. The situation has included public controversies, the 25-year-old refusing to train, and fans confronting him over his future. With just over a week remaining in the transfer window, it appears Isak has no intention of playing for Newcastle again.
Liverpool, whose earlier £110 million offer for Isak was rejected, remain the most likely destination. However, it is unclear if they will submit a second offer approaching Newcastle’s £150 million valuation.
Background and Context
Newcastle were reportedly aware of Isak’s desire to leave and identified several potential replacements. Joao Pedro was a primary target, but a £50 million bid was rejected, and Chelsea ultimately secured him with a higher offer. Chelsea also signed another of Eddie Howe’s targets, Liam Delap.
Newcastle then pursued Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt, who was also linked with Liverpool. Newcastle’s £70 million bid was turned down, and Ekitike joined his preferred club for £79 million. Benjamin Sesko was another target, with Newcastle submitting a second £69.7 million bid before the Slovenian opted for Manchester United.
Pundit Gary Lineker jokingly suggested to Alan Shearer on The Rest Is Football podcast that Newcastle should consider a swap deal involving Ekitike, eliciting an amused reaction from Shearer.
Is There a Future for Isak at Newcastle?
In July, Isak missed Newcastle’s pre-season tour in Asia amid growing transfer speculation. He was also absent from the Premier League opener against Aston Villa, a match that ended 0-0 despite Newcastle having a numerical advantage, with some fans chanting negatively at him.
Isak later issued a statement accusing the club of “broken promises,” implying he may no longer play for Newcastle. Despite the club indicating they would welcome him back, Wayne Rooney has described the situation as toxic, suggesting all ties have effectively been severed. On his new BBC podcast, Rooney stated:
“If I were a Newcastle player, I wouldn’t want Isak back. You can’t go on strike, skip training, and then expect to rejoin your teammates. I don’t see any way back for him at Newcastle.”
Arne Slot’s Visit and Match Anticipation
Arne Slot is scheduled to visit St James’ Park on Monday for Newcastle vs Liverpool. Given the ongoing Isak and Ekitike transfer stories, the match is expected to be intense, though Lineker and Shearer predict Slot will avoid confronting Isak directly.
Shearer humorously predicted that Isak would likely not attend the match, while acknowledging the saga will add “extra spice” to an already high-tension fixture.
Eddie Howe’s Update
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe confirmed on Friday that the Isak saga is nearing its conclusion. He did not specify whether the forward will leave or stay but expressed regret over the public nature of the situation:
- “He won’t be part of the squad this weekend. The club must act in the best interests of Newcastle United. It appears the situation is nearing a conclusion.”
- “It was a sad moment, and I prefer these matters to be resolved privately. He is contracted to us and I wish he would be playing, but unfortunately, he won’t. I want him back in a Newcastle shirt 100 percent. This is a lose-lose situation; there’s no way to come out victorious.”
