Alexander Isak’s fury as Newcastle block Liverpool move
Exclusive: Saudi owners stand firm as striker told he is going nowhere
Alexander Isak has been told in no uncertain terms that Newcastle United will not sanction his sale to Liverpool this summer, with the club’s Saudi owners digging in despite the striker’s desire to leave.
The decision has sparked a major rift, with Isak refusing to accept the stance and subsequently ordered by Eddie Howe to train separately from the first-team squad. Until he accepts that a transfer will not happen this window, the Swede will not feature for the Magpies.
Newcastle’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) have remained consistent in their position, rejecting Liverpool’s £110 million bid last week and insisting they will not entertain offers below their £150m valuation. Sources insist this approach will not change, regardless of whether the Reds recruit another striker.
Howe caught in the middle
Howe has long been aware of the board’s decision and has attempted to manage the situation, though patience is being tested. Speaking after Newcastle’s pre-season friendlies against Espanyol and Atletico Madrid, the manager admitted he “can’t involve” Isak with the group while tensions remain unresolved.
“The club makes the decision on his future,” Howe said. “Of course, I have a preferred outcome — I want the strongest squad possible. But I can only manage the players in front of me day to day.”
Isak, who told the club en route to their Asia tour that he wanted to explore a move, skipped the trip citing a thigh injury. Instead, he trained alone at former club Real Sociedad without Newcastle’s permission — a move that has further strained relations.
Club stance and player unrest
Despite his strike, Newcastle have stopped short of disciplining the 25-year-old, as they hope to reintegrate him once the window closes. He has three years left on his current deal and has been told a new contract — likely including a release clause — will be negotiated in September, once emotions have cooled.
The Newcastle hierarchy are angered by Isak’s representatives, who they believe have misled the player, and have strongly denied any “gentleman’s agreement” allowing a summer exit. Liverpool’s bid also baffled the board, given it fell far short of their valuation.
Behind the scenes, there is unanimous backing among the ownership and directors, with co-owner Jamie Reuben said to be particularly firm in resisting what they see as a blatant attempt to force a move.
Supporters left dismayed
The saga has soured Isak’s relationship with fans, many of whom idolised him after his 27-goal season but are now furious with his conduct. Still, Newcastle believe he can be brought back into the fold once the window closes and go on to deliver another strong campaign.
Liverpool, meanwhile, must decide whether to walk away or test Newcastle’s resolve with a British-record bid before the September 1 deadline. Until then, the standoff looks set to drag on — leaving Howe without his star striker heading into the new Premier League season.
