 "Newcastle United's Swedish striker Alexander Isak had finished as the second-highest goal-scorer in the 2024-25 Premier League season with 23 goals. Reuters")
Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak continues to train alone at the Magpies’ Benton base despite having linked up with the squad after their return from the tour of Asia . Isak had been training by himself in Spain while his teammates played friendlies against Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur in Singapore and Seoul respectively, and has remained sidelined despite returning to Newcastle-upon-Tyne last Monday.
The reason behind his isolation is the recent drama surrounding a possible move to reigning Premier League champions Liverpool. Not only has Isak expressed his desire to join Arne Slot’s side, Liverpool had even presented a £110 million ($147 million) bid for the Swedish striker, only for Newcastle to turn down the offer .
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Isak was overlooked for the club’s remaining pre-season friendlies against Spanish teams Espanyol and Atletico Madrid, both taking place at their home ground of St James Park. And according to manager Eddie Howe, the 25-year-old is not part of the team’s plans for their opening game of the 2025-26 Premier League season against Aston Villa away this Saturday.
Newcastle sets things straight with Isak
According to ChronicleLive, the Newcastle management has reportedly set an ultimatum for Isak – either he gets an offer from the Reds that matches the club’s expected bid of £150 million ($201 million) or makes up his mind about spending another season wearing the black and white kit, something Isak has exhibited little interest in so far.
Also Read | Newcastle United ends Alexander Isak’s transfer drama, tells striker he’s not going anywhere: Report
Liverpool, in the meantime, are yet to make a second bid for Isak after their initial offer at the start of the month was turned down. They have freed up some funds this transfer window with Darwin Nunez joining Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal for £46.3 million ($62.13 million), and have until 1 September to make up their mind regarding the Swedish international.
Isak’s absence at the start of the season comes as a major blow for Newcastle, the club that beat Aston Villa to the fifth and final Champions League spot on goal difference last season after both teams finished on 66 points. Isak, after all, had scored 27 goals last season including 23 in the Premier League – the second-highest last season behind Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah (29).
NUFC have experienced a surge in their fortunes since the 2021 takeover of the club by a consortium led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which currently owns an 85 per cent stake. From a mid-table side, Newcastle experienced an immediate surge in fortunes by qualifying for the UEFA Champions League with a fourth-place finish in the 2022-23 season.