Why Alexander Isak’s Newcastle United Disrespect May Backfire

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – MAY 25: Newcastle player Alexander Isak wearing sunglasses arrives at the ground prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Everton FC at St James’ Park on May 25, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

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The story of Alexander Isak’s prospective move to Liverpool has, as many at Newcastle United feared, become the saga of the transfer window. Nobody outside of the player’s inner circle foresaw this outcome. Without an acceptable bid from the Premier League champions, Isak informed Newcastle he no longer wants to play for the club, and is training away from coach Eddie Howe and the squad.

Liverpool first made its interest in a deal for Isak known to Newcastle a month ago, but didn’t make an official bid. The club reportedly said it would be willing to offer a British record $162 million (£120 million) for Isak, which unsettled the striker to the point of reportedly telling Howe he didn’t want to play in a pre-season match at Celtic on July 19 or travel with the club on the pre-season tour of Asia on July 24.

He hasn’t returned to full training since, and after Liverpool finally bid $148 million (£110 million), it emerged that he told Newcastle he wouldn’t play again, even if a move to Anfield isn’t sanctioned.

While Newcastle is closing on a deal to sign Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey, who would be its second signing of the week after defender Malick Thiaw and fifth in total, the distraction caused by Isak’s future is undeniable. Howe has alluded to its impact on the rest of the team, and there is a sense of unease before the Premier League kicks off this weekend.

Newcastle publicly insisted Isak is not for sale since speculation began last season. But since the player attempted to force the issue, privately, it has moved into position to facilitate a deal on its terms. In May, a $203 million (£150 million) offer was the minimum it would take to even discuss a deal, a fee set to do little more than intimidate interested parties. Three months later, that is now the asking price, and one of two conditions required to sign Isak. The other is a replacement of sufficient quality; Newcastle tried and failed to sign Benjamin Sesko. Nobody can say the club hasn’t done its part.

But Sesko was likely the last player who fit the bill, and with the transfer window closing in less than three weeks, time is running out. FC Porto striker Samu Aghehowa is a potential option, but at 21-years-old and only one season in the Portuguese league this moved is highly unlikely.

Newcastle can’t and won’t sanction a deal unless the terms it set out are met. Some suggest selling shows weakness, something the Saudi Arabian majority owners will rail against, while others say keeping an unhappy player against his will only festers a toxic environment. Both arguments have merits, but the club can’t afford to leave itself in a difficult situation both optically and in terms of options up front for Howe to choose from next season, with the Champions League on the horizon.

After all, Callum Wilson’s exit after his contract expired this summer and Newcastle already needs a striker. Brentford’s Yoane Wissa is the main target, but much like with Isak, that deal can’t proceed without the Bees signing a replacement.

Isak is seemingly happy to burn bridges at Newcastle and taint his legacy, which is incredibly sad after scoring the winning goal in the club’s first domestic trophy win in 70 years. He sees the chapter on Tyneside as closed and is well within his rights to desire a move to the Premier League champions, where he will likely win more trophies and earn more money. His acrimony towards Newcastle is also understandable, considering the broken promises around a new contract.

Has Alexander Isak Gone Too Far?

But it is strange that he is so willing to discard his current club, given the passive nature of Liverpool’s interest. There is no sign it will match Newcastle’s valuation, while the signing of Hugo Ekitike, who Newcastle viewed as Isak’s long-term replacement, has also made a deal more unlikely. With hindsight, when a deal to take the Frenchman to St James’ Park looked possible just before Liverpool enquired about Isak, all sides should have thrashed out a deal.

News of Isak’s desire to leave only emerged after that. Since then, his people have claimed they informed Newcastle he would be leaving last season, something the club denies. Isak himself stressed his happiness in the spring and featured in club kit promotions, hardly the actions of someone desperate for a quick exit.

It is in Isak’s interest to make this move happen; if he does, Liverpool may think it can be done for a smaller fee too. With no discernible movement in that direction, the notion of an unconditional strike feels like natural progression, one last attempt to gain control and force Newcastle’s hand.

But with three years on his contract and options for a way forward dwindling, Newcastle remains in control. The question will come in September, when the transfer window closes, will Isak stick to his self-imposed exile when there is no route out? Or will he get his head straight, come to an increasingly awkward truce and score more goals at the highest level, as he does best?

As hard as it is to see him sticking to his threat, many Newcastle fans will never forgive him. With the love they gave him now squandered, a difficult situation is in store whatever happens. If Isak moves to Liverpool, he won’t care about the mess he leaves, but the longer he stays, the more likely he will need to repair the damage he has caused.