Alexander Isak has told Eddie Howe and Newcastle United that he will never play for the club again.
The Swedish international has been the centre of an on-going transfer saga this summer, The ongoing transfer saga surrounding Alexander Isak has reached a critical juncture as the Swedish striker has unequivocally informed Newcastle United and head coach Eddie Howe that he will no longer play for the Magpies. This declaration adds a new layer of tension to what has been one of the summer’s most closely followed Premier League stories, with Isak’s preferred destination being the Premier League Champions Liverpool.
The Reds have been long-time admirers of Isak, tracking the player’s progress at St. James’ Park, Isak’s intent to leave Newcastle is no longer a matter of speculation. The 25-year-old has reportedly vacated his rented home in Ponteland, a clear sign that he is preparing for a fresh start elsewhere. The landlord is actively seeking new tenants, underscoring the striker’s commitment to pushing through a move. Such a step is rare in transfer negotiations, highlighting Isak’s strong desire to leave and cut ties with Newcastle swiftly.
Despite the player’s insistence on a move, the club remains firm on their valuation, leading to a stalemate in negotiations. The Magpies, backed by their wealthy ownership, are demanding a fee that reflects Isak’s importance and potential, which has reportedly exceeded the offers Liverpool have put forward so far as they made their interest clear when submitting a £110 million offer earlier this summer he approach was immediately rebuffed by Newcastle, who are adamant Isak is not for sale.
However, the player’s recent actions put the club in an awkward position.David Ornstein of The Athletic reports that the 25-year-old has told Newcastle that his time at the club is over, even if the transfer window closes, and he only wants to join Liverpool.
Transfer journalist David Ornstein, a respected voice in football reporting, has weighed in on the situation:
“I think his focus at the moment is to try and push through a potential move to Liverpool and it CAN happen if the ownership of Newcastle receive what they deem an acceptable offer and they find a suitable replacement he has rejected three-four new contract proposals from Newcastle, he only wants Liverpool. I think the priority for all parties now is to try and rectify this in some way, shape or form. To try and find a solution, it cannot go on like this.”
Ornstein’s comments highlight the delicate balance Newcastle must maintain between securing a satisfactory transfer fee, replacing a key player, and maintaining squad harmony. Meanwhile, Isak’s own patience appears to be wearing thin.
While the transfer drama unfolds, Newcastle have formally assigned Alexander Isak squad number 14 for the 2025/26 campaign, signaling an openness to the possibility that the striker may remain, at least temporarily. This could be seen as a pragmatic move to cover all bases while negotiations persist. Isak has not featured for Newcastle during pre-season, missing the club’s tour of Asia with a reported “minor injury”, but was spotted training at his former club Real Sociedad to retain fitness.
The Geordies are simultaneously working to strengthen their own attacking options independently of Isak’s future. The club has set its sights on Yoane Wissa from Brentford, who remains keen to join the Magpies. Brentford, however, are looking to secure a replacement before allowing Wissa to depart, indicating that this transfer is not yet finalised.
Admid the on-going speculation of the strikers future, Magpies’ boss Eddie Howe has frequently faced questions from the media. Howe was clear in his stance when he told reporters that it was clear he “couldn’t involve” Isak in the clubs preparations for the new season, but claimed he “wasn’t aware” of any decision to prevent the player from leaving.
Liverpool’s head coach Arne Slot has been less vocal, acknowledging that the club are “still in the market” but refused to comment on another club’s player.
The Reds’ boss has overhauled his squad this summer, signing Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike to supplement the attacking options, but sales of Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz leave fans wondering if another striker will be brought in before the window closes.
For now Isak remains a Newcastle player and all eyes will remain on the coming days, as the transfer window nears its final weeks. Both clubs, along with Isak and his representatives, are keen for clarity and resolution. Whether that results in a record-breaking transfer to Liverpool or an unexpected twist remains to be seen as the saga continues to unfold.
