‘I’m really surprised’ – Ex-manager shocked at Eddie Howe’s reaction to Alexander Isak
Eddie Howe’s handling of the Alexander Isak transfer situation has been met with disbelief from a former Premier League manager.
A nightmare that never ends for Newcastle, their star striker is still eager to push a move through to join Premier League title-holders Liverpool.
The 25-year-old is the Magpies dependable forward but, touted as one of the best poachers on the planet, his ability has caught the eye of Arne Slot.
Football Insider have been told that Newcastle could reach an exit agreement with Isak next summer amid the uncertainty over his long-term future.
His questionable behaviour has ruffled the feathers of Toon fans and former Leicester manager Martin O’Neill, who is well-versed in dealing with this kind of problem.
Isak’s failure to turn up to training an ‘undermining’ of Eddie Howe’s position
Discussing the Isak situation on talkSPORT (11 August) after Howe stated that the club hadn’t fined the Swede for his actions, ex-Aston Villa gaffer O’Neill weighed in on his view on the situation.
Using his handling of Gareth Barry’s infamous attempt to push a move through to, ironically, Liverpool, the Northern Irishman docked the Premier League record appearance holder two weeks wages to teach him a lesson.
In shock that the Magpies haven’t done something similar with the number 14, he said: “I’m really surprised that Newcastle have not done that there [fined Isak two weeks of wages].
“I’d have done that with ease immediately. Immediately, he [Isak] didn’t turn up [to training]…there is an undermining of one’s position.”
Newcastle and Isak relationship on a knife edge
Football Insider verdict
With only a matter of days before the start of the new season, the Toon are in a race against time to resolve the ongoing drama with their golden striker.
Heading into the campaign with only Willy Osula, having opted to not extend Callum Wilson’s deal as he joined West Ham, the Magpies look extremely short up top.
This position will be made even worse if the Swede either leaves or continues to go on strike to make his point known he wants out of St James’ Park.
| Alexander Isak 2024-25 all competitions | |
| Appearances | 42 |
| Minutes played | 3319 |
| Goals | 27 |
| Assists | 6 |
Therefore, the relationship between the player, the manager and his teammates is coming to a boiling point where there may not be a way to restore faith amongst all parties.
Selling the number 14 seems to be the best play if the club can quickly find a replacement, although their lethargic transfer dealings this summer suggests they’ll struggle to get another goal scorer before the window ends.
Howe is often a man of calm, composure and pragmatism, yet this ongoing transfer saga could quite easily get the better of him, teeing the club on Tyneside to struggle next year.