Alexander Isak’s Newcastle United career appears to be over after a club insider confirmed the striker is effectively ‘on strike’ and refusing to train with his teammates.
Earlier this week, he reportedly told Newcastle United he will not play for the club again, even if a move to Liverpool does not happen before the end of the summer transfer window.
The 25-year-old, who scored 23 goals in 34 Premier League appearances last season, is pushing for a move to Liverpool despite helping Newcastle win the Carabao Cup and secure Champions League football.
The Reds have already seen a £110 million bid rejected, and no second offer has been lodged as Newcastle struggles to find a replacement.
Reports claim Isak has been advised by his camp to avoid ‘showing any signs of weakness’ and will miss the Magpies’ Premier League opener at Aston Villa on Saturday.
Newcastle reporter Craig Hope adds that Isak will be fined by the club for the first time when he misses a competitive match this weekend, and that his camp have urged him to stand firm and avoid “any sign of weakness.”
Hope also reports Newcastle are willing to reintegrate him and offer a new deal, including either a release clause or a promise he can leave next summer, but the player’s stance is unchanged.
Newcastle are said to be open to bringing Isak back into the fold and offering improved terms, yet the forward remains determined to move to Anfield.
Speaking to the BBC, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe admitted the saga has been disruptive. “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. Morale was certainly affected early on during pre-season,” Howe said.
He added: “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 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.”
Howe also admitted he is still targeting new signings, saying there are “big gaps” in the squad that need to be filled before the transfer window closes.
