Newcastle United are preparing to start the Premier League season without their star striker, Alexander Isak, as speculation over his future grows.
The 25-year-old Swedish forward is determined to join Liverpool and has been training away from the main squad. His absence comes just days before Newcastle’s first game against Aston Villa, and manager Eddie Howe has now admitted that the situation has shaken his team.
Isak missed Newcastle’s pre-season tour of Asia and instead trained at the facilities of his former club, Real Sociedad. He has three years left on his contract at St James’ Park, but sources suggest he no longer wants to play for Newcastle.
Liverpool, under new manager Arne Slot, have already had bids rejected for Isak. Reports say they will not return with a new offer unless Newcastle give them encouragement. Despite this, Isak is still pushing for a move and could even face fines for refusing to join training with the first team.
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Eddie Howe was open about the impact Isak’s absence has had.
“I don’t think it’s been healthy for us,” Howe admitted. “Alex, for me, is one of the best strikers in the world, if not the best. To miss him from your squad leaves a huge gap.”
The manager revealed that morale dipped early in pre-season as players struggled to understand the situation.
“When you have a player that good who is not part of your group, it’s difficult for the players to know what’s going on and how to react,” he explained.
But Howe believes the squad has now accepted the reality.
“As time has gone on, there has been an acceptance this is the squad and we have got to make the best of the situation,” he said. “Whatever situation you’re in, you have got to find a way. You can only control what you can control. We have moved forward and the atmosphere has been very good in the last couple of weeks.”
For Newcastle fans, the uncertainty is worrying. Isak was a key part of their attack last season, scoring vital goals that helped them compete in both the Premier League and Europe. Losing him would mean a huge reshuffle, and Newcastle have limited time to find a replacement before the transfer window closes.
Liverpool supporters, however, are watching closely. Many believe Isak would be the perfect addition to their front line, especially with his pace, finishing skills, and experience at the top level.
The saga has now become a tense waiting game. Will Newcastle cave in to Isak’s demands, or will they force him to stay and risk having an unhappy player in the squad?
One thing is clear: Eddie Howe is preparing for life without Isak, at least for now. And if Liverpool make one more move, this could be one of the biggest transfer twists of the summer.
