What Newcastle board have now told Alexander Isak as Eddie Howe reacts to Liverpool pursuit
Alexander Isak is pushing hard for a move to Liverpool.
Isak, 25, has told Newcastle United that he wants to leave the club this summer for the Premier League champions, just months after scoring the winner against the Reds at Wembley in the Carabao Cup final.
Liverpool had a £110million bid for the Swede rejected by the Magpies, who are refusing to sell their star player without sourcing a replacement first.
The search for that replacement has proved troublesome, with Benjamin Sesko becoming the latest player to reject a move to St. James’ Park, and the Newcastle board have reportedly made their stance clear to Isak.
Eddie Howe in the dark as Newcastle board tell Isak he’s going nowhere
The Swedish striker’s dream move was always going to be difficult, but it’s just gotten much harder.
The Telegraph have reported that the Magpies board has told Isak that any move to Anfield will be blocked, forcing the striker to remain on Tyneside.
It has been widely reported that Newcastle will only consider a sale should a replacement be found, but this update suggests that even a striker signing won’t allow the Swede’s departure.
| Alexander Isak in the Premier League | Appearances | Goals |
| 2022/23 | 22 | 10 |
| 2023/24 | 30 | 21 |
| 2024/25 | 34 | 23 |
However, after the Magpies’ 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid at St. James’ Park yesterday (9 August), Eddie Howe confirmed he has no knowledge of such a stance being communicated.
Howe said: “No, that’s not something I’m aware of. I’m not party to all discussions, but I have no knowledge of that.”
He confirmed all options are open, saying: “I want players who really want to play for this club.”
Read more: Liverpool now plotting move for ‘world-class’ player after Alexander Isak move stalls
Newcastle, Liverpool and Isak need to clarify situation
The Isak saga has turned into a toxic mess, with all sides wanting to maintain their reputation in a game of who blinks first.
Here is the current timeline of events during this saga:
- 23 July: Liverpool beat Newcastle to the signing of Hugo Ekitike
- 24 July: Isak tells Newcastle he wants to explore other options, PIF maintain not-for-sale stance
- 30 July: Isak reportedly agrees personal terms with Liverpool
- 2 August: Newcastle reject £110m bid from Liverpool, then the Reds say they will not bid again unless Magpies stance changes
- 6 August: Isak told to train on his own
- 9 August: Isak told he can’t leave under any circumstances
There is one way for all the speculation to end, and that’s for all parties to clarify the situation directly, likely how Liverpool did during the Philippe Coutinho saga in 2017.
It doesn’t seem that anyone knows what is truly going on, with varying reports coming out everywhere, other than that Isak wants to leave for Liverpool.
In three weeks’ time, there should be complete clarity one way or the other, but until then this will continue to be a war of wits.