Alexander Isak's future remains unresolved as he pushes for a move to Liverpool and trains away from Newcastle United's first team squad ahead of their opening Premier League fixture
Newcastle are being forced to confront life without star striker Alexander Isak as they prepare to take on Aston Villa in the Premier League this weekend. Eddie Howe has acknowledged that his side will 'have to find a way' without the Swede's services, which may prick the ears of those associated with Liverpool.
Isak continues to train away from Newcastle 's first team squad as he attempts to push through a transfer to Arne Slot's side. The forward will be unavailable for the first match of the season on Saturday and appears to have no intention to represent Newcastle again.
The 25-year-old missed the Magpies pre-season tour of Asia and spent time training at former club Real Sociedad's base. Liverpool have seen their efforts thus far, knocked back and do not plan to return with another offer for Isak unless encouraged to do so.
Isak has not yet given up on an exit however, despite having three years remaining on his contract at St James' Park. The forward could yet be fined over his continued absence in the coming days.
Newcastle boss Howe has admitted the situation has disrupted his side. The ex-Bournemouth head coach conceded that Isak being unavailable leaves a significant hole in the squad.
"I don't think it's been healthy for us," Howe said. "I don't deny that's been a big challenge.
"Alex, for me, is one of the best strikers in the world - if not the best. To miss him from your squad leaves a huge gap."
"I think morale was certainly affected early on during pre-season," he added. "There was nothing I could do to affect that - it was always going to be there.
"When you have a player that good who is not part of your group, it's difficult for the players to fully understand it and to know what's going on and how to react.
"But, as time has gone on, there has been an acceptance this is the squad and we have got to make the best of the situation. That's always been my train of thought.
"Whatever situation you're in, you have got to find a way and you can only control what you can control. We have moved forward and I've got to say the atmosphere of the group has been very good in the last couple of weeks."
kmuguna
1
nothing's new here 👋
KingKorex
0
Liverpool, please don’t bid for Isak again. His behaviour is unprofessional.
miodkprsuz
0
Liverpool, please don’t bid for Isak again. His behaviour is unprofessional.
Yeah you need help completely
tutabdklmz
0
when lfc ynwa family gave you enough money for lsak you refused but now u might regret loosing him on cheaper ground
Jadbcekptu
1
Newcastle release isak
Daresadibo
1
What an irony, it is good when a club dispenses with a player it doesn't need anymore, but it is bad when a player insists on leaving a club he doesn't want to play for anymore!
busacdkort
1
where's Alvarez 😞
nikbdkty
0
Newcastle are creating a situation to show Ishak is monster. Newcastle broke the promises given to Ishak. Do not blame Ishak. Yes Ishak is injury prone player.
somaalia
nikbdkty
2
somaali
foabdeprty
0
Liverpool, please don’t bid for Isak again. His behaviour is unprofessional.
u need help
foabdeprty
0
He signed the contract himself so he himself chose the club and agreed so he must be fined for been stupid
wen u find a better job don't u leave
foabdeprty
0
Liverpool, please don’t bid for Isak again. His behaviour is unprofessional.
are u ok
Singapore1183229
2
Newcastle are creating a situation to show Ishak is monster. Newcastle broke the promises given to Ishak. Do not blame Ishak. Yes Ishak is injury prone player.
Sofreshh
1
is unfair to Castle. he score goals becoz of his team mates support. he cant donit alone
Fck off, they wanted a striker and paid for his services he don’t owe nobody nothing , it’s just business
Fumblmnopr
0
is unfair to Castle. he score goals becoz of his team mates support. he cant donit alone
sotblnouyz
0
It is a contract of employment not a bondage agreement...if a player on his own will wants to leave, extract the best possible price from Liverpool and let him go.... after all this drama, Liverpool will have to hope like hell that his goal scoring abilities have not deserted Isak
use the same energy as you talk about Trent dirty scouser
Redfan
2
It is a contract of employment not a bondage agreement...if a player on his own will wants to leave, extract the best possible price from Liverpool and let him go.... after all this drama, Liverpool will have to hope like hell that his goal scoring abilities have not deserted Isak
jihenopt
0
I see all of you asking the coach to allow Isak to leave as if the ounce for the play to depart depends on the coach. The coach has no say in this one. Only the board can sanction the sales of Isak in a case lime this. Isak is just too childish in the way he handled this transfer saga. He shouldn't have allowed the Liverpool interest to turn his head. I could have handled it more professionally.
who the fk do you think you are?
Cooldaddy3
1
I see all of you asking the coach to allow Isak to leave as if the ounce for the play to depart depends on the coach. The coach has no say in this one. Only the board can sanction the sales of Isak in a case lime this. Isak is just too childish in the way he handled this transfer saga. He shouldn't have allowed the Liverpool interest to turn his head. I could have handled it more professionally.
And who are u?
Haybcdemsu
0
Liverpool, please don’t bid for Isak again. His behaviour is unprofessional.
Should have retained Nunez and also give the academy players a chance. Team cohesion is better than bringing in Isak at record fee. He will disrupt team spirit.
Haybcdemsu
2
Liverpool, please don’t bid for Isak again. His behaviour is unprofessional.
Ikbest0000
3
I see all of you asking the coach to allow Isak to leave as if the ounce for the play to depart depends on the coach. The coach has no say in this one. Only the board can sanction the sales of Isak in a case lime this. Isak is just too childish in the way he handled this transfer saga. He shouldn't have allowed the Liverpool interest to turn his head. I could have handled it more professionally.
Wekkrsty
1
He signed the contract himself so he himself chose the club and agreed so he must be fined for been stupid
Jezaeklnoz
1
let him go 120m. is a enough
dougiefresh
0
let boy go Oga coach
if the team. who wants him, don't meet the club valuation why should they sell 🤔
ceybcdklnr
3
must you keep him allow him to join his club of choice
tuccilnsz
1
isak well come to Liverpool
sudalmntuz
1
let the boy go sir
sudalmntuz
0
let boy go Oga coach