Alexander Isak’s future at Newcastle United has been plunged into uncertainty as the striker continues to train alone at his former club Real Sociedad’s facilities, fuelling speculation of a summer move to Liverpool.
Newcastle’s position is delicate and the club have insisted that Isak is not for sale, but the player’s desire to explore his options complicates matters.
Losing their talisman would be a major blow, particularly as the Magpies have already endured a turbulent summer. Despite securing Champions League football, they have missed out on several key transfer targets and have started pre-season with three consecutive defeats.
Newcastle is also mindful of Financial Fair Play constraints and a huge sale could ease those pressures but would leave a gaping hole in their attack, one that would be extremely difficult to fill before the window closes.
The 25-year-old has not joined Eddie Howe’s squad for their pre-season tour of South Korea and Singapore. Newcastle insist he is recovering from a “minor thigh injury,” but sources suggest the striker is unsettled following an informal approach from Liverpool that the Magpies swiftly rejected.
Isak, who joined Newcastle from Sociedad in 2022 for a club-record £63m, has been training back in San Sebastián with personal staff during off-hours at the Spanish side’s Zubieta base. The arrangement is approved by Newcastle, yet the situation highlights the growing tension between the player and his club.
? ???? Alexander Isak is training individually at his former club Real Sociedad's training facilities amid uncertainty over his Newcastle future.
?? The former Real Sociedad striker is using the Basque club's facilities when it is empty — with his own staff for recovery from a… pic.twitter.com/cP8ESLGcXP— Keith Downie (@SkySports_Keith) July 31, 2025
Sky Sports News reports that the Sweden international is “privately frustrated” after being denied the opportunity to discuss a potential move to Liverpool. The Reds remain keen admirers of Isak despite already signing Hugo Ekitike earlier this month.
Eddie Howe addressed the situation this week, following Newcastle’s 1-0 defeat to a K League XI in South Korea. but admitted that he may not be able to keep Isak if the situation escalates.
“He’s still our player. He’s contracted to us. We, to a degree, control what is next for him
My wish is that he stays, but that’s not in my full control. We have not received a formal offer for Alex, from any club.”
Isak was also sent home ahead of Newcastle’s 4-0 friendly defeat to Celtic after Howe deemed him “not in the right frame of mind” due to the speculation.
Liverpool are expected to return with a formal bid before the transfer window closes. New boss Arne Slot is looking to add another elite forward to a squad that has already been strengthened by several big-money arrivals this summer including striker Hugo Ekitike but Isak technical qualities, pace, and finishing ability make him an attractive option.
Since arriving on Tyneside, the Swedish international has scored 62 goals in all competitions and helped Newcastle end their long trophy drought with the Carabao Cup last season a final he scored and won against Liverpool, but the bond between club and player has started to fray.
Isak’s ambition is clear, with the striker having previously spoken about his desire to compete for major honours and play for one of Europe’s biggest clubs. Reports suggest he would also command a wage in the region of £300,000 per week at his next destination.
With the new Premier League season just weeks away, Newcastle now face a crucial decision. Do they stand firm and risk further unrest, or do they cash in on a striker who appears to want a new challenge?
Liverpool have yet to make a formal bid, but all indications point to the Merseyside club preparing a serious move very soon.
