‘Alexander Isak affected by Liverpool amid Newcastle absence’
Alexander Isak is believed to have had his head turned by Liverpool after he was left out by Eddie Howe at Newcastle.
The Sweden international was left out of the Newcastle squad against Celtic for their first pre-season friendly on 19 July.
The Magpies suffered in Isak’s absence as the Scottish champions thrashed Newcastle 4-0.
The 25-year-old scored 23 goals in 34 Premier League appearances last season, proving to be a vital component for Eddie Howe’s attacking machine.
Newcastle had submitted a £70million bid for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike, which was rejected by the German side who wanted the £86m release clause for Ekitike’s services (The Telegraph).
This opened up an ambitious £130m approach from Liverpool for Isak, with rumours having persisted throughout the window of a move.
Isak omission down to Liverpool transfer rumours
The Swede’s omission was a “sensible move” by Newcastle boss Howe, according to ex-Magpies manager Alan Pardew.
Speaking on talkSPORT (20 July), Pardew said: “Reading between the lines it looks very much like the player’s affected I would suggest.
“Eddie [Howe] made a sensible move and just took it [Isak] out of the equation, whether he was affected or not.”
Pardew added: “When players want a move, they make it fundamentally clear in their actions and cause a problem.
“Has Isak’s head been turned? I would suggest possibly, yes. They’ve [Newcastle] got a battle on there. I think Eddie [Howe] is trying to play it down but it won’t go away until Liverpool conduct their business.”
Newcastle must fight to keep Isak this summer
Given Callum Wilson’s departure this summer, the Magpies are light up top with Isak and William Osula the only recognised strikers.
While the Swede’s sale would bring in an influx of funds, Newcastle may scramble to find a quick replacement, especially in the current market where top forwards are hard to find.Howe will, naturally, be desperate to ensure he has Isak at his disposal for the coming campaign, especially with Newcastle back in the Champions League this season.
But, when dealing with one of the deadliest forwards on the planet right now, top sides across Europe and Saudi Arabia will be competing for his signature.
It is an inevitable reality, but one that Newcastle will want to settle as soon as possible ahead of the start of the 2025-26 Premier League campaign.
However, with reports suggesting Ekitike’s deal with Liverpool is all but done, Newcastle may have swerved the Liverpool interest for now.