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Reports: Alexander Isak on Strike Amid Liverpool Transfer Links

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.

Reports: Alexander Isak on Strike Amid Liverpool Transfer Links

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.

August 14, 2025
Liverpool vs Bournemouth: Premier League 2025–26 Season Opener Preview
Premier League football returns on Friday night as champions Liverpool welcome Bournemouth to Anfield to kick off the 2025-26 season.

Arne Slot’s side head into the season opener determined to bounce back from last weekend’s Community Shield defeat to Crystal Palace, while the visitors look to build on their best-ever top-flight points tally from last season.

Liverpool vs Bournemouth – Preview

The Reds had a strong pre-season, winning five of their six friendlies. Victories over Preston, Stoke, AC Milan, and Athletic Bilbao showcased their attacking depth, with only AC Milan managing to beat them. However, their momentum was checked last weekend when Palace edged them on penalties in the Community Shield, despite goals from Hugo Ekitike and Jeremie Frimpong.

Liverpool haven’t lost an opening-day fixture since 2012 and will be confident of maintaining that record, especially with several high-profile summer signings ready to make their league debuts.

Andoni Iraola’s side enjoyed a mixed summer. They started well with wins over Hibernian, Bristol City, and Everton, but failed to win any of their final four matches. Heavy defeats to Manchester United (4-1) and West Ham (2-0) were followed by back-to-back draws against Real Sociedad, with new goalkeeper Djorde Petrovic saving a penalty in their final outing.

Bournemouth are unbeaten on the opening day for the last seven seasons, but they face a major test at Anfield after losing several key players this summer, including Milos Kerkez to Liverpool, Illia Zabarnyi to PSG, and Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid.

Liverpool vs Bournemouth – Team News

Ryan Gravenberch will miss the season opener after receiving a red card on the final day of last season against Crystal Palace.

Joe Gomez has returned to training after recovering from an Achilles injury and could make the bench. Arne Slot explained:

“I think he only trained twice now, missed quite a lot in pre-season. But if you looked at our bench against Palace, I think there were three players that were 20 years old or younger.

“So, there is a possibility that Joe might be on the bench, but I have to look at the numbers and who we’re going to take.”

Alexis Mac Allister is fit to play despite recent fitness concerns, while Conor Bradley remains sidelined. Milos Kerkez is set to face his former club at left-back.

Meanwhile, Bournemouth captain Lewis Cook is serving the second match of a three-game suspension after being sent off in the penultimate game of last season. He has also picked up an injury in a behind-closed-doors match, which would have ruled him out regardless.

The south coast side also has several other injuries, with Enes Unal, Ryan Christie, Justin Kluivert, and Luis Sinisterra all going through different periods of their recovery.

“Justin hasn’t been training with us and won’t play,” Cherries boss Andoni Iraola said on Thursday afternoon. Ryan has been training this week with us, which is positive. It’s too early for him to play as he hasn’t done any pre-season. He hasn’t done a lot of things for a lot of weeks, so it’s too early – but it’s good to have him back on the pitch with the group.”

Reports suggest Dango Ouattara is seeking a move away from the club, with interest from Brentford potentially affecting the versatile player’s chances of starting.

Head-to-Head & Previous Meetings

Liverpool and Bournemouth have met 24 times in all competitions, with the Reds winning 19 of those encounters and drawing three. Bournemouth have only managed two victories, both at the Vitality Stadium.

The most recent meeting came in February 2025, when Mohamed Salah scored twice to secure a 2-1 away win for Liverpool. The Cherries’ last triumph over the Reds was in March 2023, when Phillip Billing’s strike sealed a 1-0 victory.

Key Stats
- Liverpool are unbeaten in their first league game for 12 straight seasons (9 wins, 3 draws).
- This is their first Premier League opener at Anfield since 2020-21; last home opening-day loss was in 2003-04 vs Chelsea.
- As reigning champions, Liverpool have lost only 1 of 19 season openers.
- Only the second time in club history they start a league season on a Friday (first was 2019-20, which ended in a title win).
- Liverpool have won 9 of their last 10 Friday Premier League games.
- Unbeaten in 13 August home league games since 2015 (11 wins, 2 draws).
- Have won 11 of their last 12 league meetings with Bournemouth.
- Bournemouth have taken just 1 point from 8 Premier League visits to Anfield, losing the last 6 with a 23-2 aggregate.
- Bournemouth are unbeaten in their last 7 opening league games (3 wins, 4 draws).
- Alisson could make his 300th Liverpool appearance, the 7th goalkeeper in club history to do so.
- Florian Wirtz was 1 of only 6 players in Europe’s top 5 leagues last season with double-digit goals (10) & assists (12).
- Mohamed Salah has 9 goals & 14 goal involvements on opening weekends — most in Premier League history.
- Salah has scored 105 Premier League goals at Anfield; only Aguero (106) & Henry (114) have more at one venue.
- Salah’s 11 Premier League goals against Bournemouth is the most by any player against them
August 14, 2025
Arne Slot Confirms Leoni Deal But Remains Silent On Guehi

Liverpool have moved closer to securing the signing of 18-year-old Italian defender Giovanni Leoni from Parma, with Reds manager Arne Slot confirming a deal has been agreed. The transfer is reported to be worth approximately £26 million.

Leoni, an Italian Under-19 international, started his career at Padova and had a brief spell at Sampdoria before joining Parma last summer. He made a significant impression in Serie A last season, featuring 17 times as Parma finished 16th, just five points above the relegation zone.

“The clubs have agreed a deal, but he has not signed for us yet. The moment he does, I can go into more detail,” Slot said in a press briefing.

Arne Slot Confirms Leoni Deal But Remains Silent On Guehi

When asked about a potential move for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, Slot declined to comment. “He’s not our player. Unfortunately, he was the captain of the team who we lost to last Sunday. If you want to have any talks about him, you should go to Palace and [manager Oliver] Glasner,” he added.

Palace are reportedly asking around £40m for Guehi, who has only a year left on his contract, while Liverpool are understood to be negotiating for a lower fee. The defender’s playing time at Anfield would also be an important factor ahead of the World Cup.

Liverpool have already spent roughly £270m this summer but have recouped around £170m from player sales. They also saw a £110m bid for striker Alexander Isak rejected by Newcastle, though the Swede remains keen on a move to the Premier League champions.

With Leoni, Guehi, and Isak all linked, Liverpool’s summer spending could surpass £400m. The Reds are set to kick off their 2025-26 title defence against Bournemouth at Anfield this Friday.

August 14, 2025
Chelsea Players to Make Incredible Gesture to Jota’s Family

Chelsea’s players will donate a share of their Club World Cup bonuses to the family of late Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, following the pair’s tragic deaths last month.

The decision was reached jointly by the club and the squad after their triumph in FIFA’s newly expanded tournament in July, where Chelsea beat Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 in the final at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

That victory earned the club an estimated $114.6 million (£84.4m) in prize money.

From those earnings, $15.5 million (£11.4m) has been set aside for distribution among the players who represented Enzo Maresca’s side during the competition. In an unprecedented show of solidarity, the players agreed to match that amount with an equal payment to Jota’s family.

Each player’s portion of the bonus is valued at more than $500,000 before deductions, including currency conversion from US dollars to pounds sterling, employer contributions, taxes, and social security costs.

According to a report by the Athletic, the donation to the Jota family is expected to mirror those amounts.

Jota, 28, and his brother Andre Silva, a professional footballer with Portuguese side Penafiel, died in a car accident in Spain’s Zamora province on July 3, just 10 days before Chelsea lifted the Club World Cup trophy.

The tragedy sent shockwaves through the football world, with tributes pouring in from clubs, players, and fans across the globe.

Liverpool, where Jota scored 65 goals in 182 appearances after joining from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020, have already announced a series of tributes.

The club will unveil a memorial sculpture at Anfield as the centrepiece of a permanent tribute to the Portuguese international.

For the 2025-26 season, Liverpool’s players will wear a ‘Forever 20’ emblem on their shirts and jackets, while the LFC Foundation will launch a grassroots football programme in Jota’s name.

In addition, the club has retired the No. 20 shirt permanently at all levels.

Liverpool’s opening Premier League fixture against Bournemouth at Anfield this Friday will feature a special fan mosaic and a minute’s silence in Jota’s memory.

The occasion is expected to draw emotional scenes, with supporters uniting to honour a player described as “fearless, humble, and unforgettable” by his former teammates.

Chelsea’s contribution comes as part of a growing culture of solidarity between rival clubs in moments of tragedy. While financial donations of this magnitude are rare, Chelsea insiders describe the move as “a natural decision” given the respect Jota commanded within the game.

August 14, 2025
Joe Gomez Returns To Training Ahead Of Season Opener

Joe Gomez is back in full training ahead of Liverpool’s Premier League curtain-raiser against Bournemouth on Friday night, handing Arne Slot a timely lift.

The 28-year-old, Liverpool’s longest-serving current player, had returned early from the pre-season tour of the Far East with an Achilles injury. His absence ruled him out for three weeks, including games against AC Milan, Yokohama F. Marinos, Athletic Club and the Community Shield loss to Crystal Palace.

On Wednesday, Gomez rejoined his teammates at the AXA Training Centre for both indoor and outdoor work as preparations stepped up for the first league game of the season at Anfield.

Joe Gomez Returns To Training Ahead Of Season Opener

His return bolsters a back line that had been stretched, with Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate the only fit senior centre-backs during his spell out.

Also back in senior training was James McConnell. The young midfielder, who recently signed a new contract, has been building his sharpness with the U21s after recovering from an ankle injury. He is still expected to depart on loan before the transfer window closes.

Ryan Gravenberch trained after missing the Community Shield for the birth of his daughter. The Dutchman is suspended for Friday’s game, leaving either Curtis Jones or Alexis Mac Allister to partner Dominik Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz in midfield.

Conor Bradley remains a doubt for the opener, which should see Jeremie Frimpong start at right-back. Kostas Tsimikas also trained despite ongoing transfer interest, having been left out of the Community Shield squad.

Watch some training pictures from Wednesday’s session [here].

August 13, 2025
Premier League To Hold Moment Of Silence For Diogo Jota

The Premier League has announced that all top-flight games this weekend will begin with a minute’s silence to honour Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva.

The two Portuguese brothers died in a tragic car accident in Spain on July 3. Jota was just 28 years old.

The league consulted with Liverpool to decide the best way to pay tribute to the player who played a key role in Liverpool’s Premier League title win last season. Apart from the minute’s silence before kick-off, all players will wear black armbands, and stadium screens will show special tribute messages and images.

A similar tribute took place last Sunday during the Community Shield match between Liverpool and Crystal Palace at Wembley Stadium. Wreaths were laid on the pitch, and a silence was observed.

However, a small group of Crystal Palace fans briefly broke the silence, which caused some reactions from other fans nearby. Liverpool’s head coach, Arne Slot, explained that the disturbance was not deliberate.

Premier League To Hold Moment Of Silence For Diogo Jota

“I don’t believe it was planned or meant to be disrespectful,” Slot said. “Maybe the fan did not realise it was the minute of silence. Other Palace fans tried to quiet him down, which also made some noise. Our fans then reacted. I believe there was no bad intention, as many people worldwide have shown great respect for Diogo and André.”

Liverpool supporters honoured Jota with a heartfelt singing of You’ll Never Walk Alone as wreaths were brought out. Fans displayed a white banner featuring Jota’s image, his number 20, and the words “Diogo J.”

The wreaths were laid in the Liverpool end by club legend Ian Rush, Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish, and Football Association chair Debbie Hewitt. Fans from both teams stood to applaud as the brothers’ photos were shown on the big screens.

In a lasting tribute, Liverpool have retired Jota’s number 20 shirt as a mark of respect for the late forward.

August 13, 2025
Last Liverpool goal had special meaning for Diogo Jota

Liverpool forward Diogo Jota shared the touching meaning behind his final goal for the club just weeks before he tragically passed away in a car accident.

The 28-year-old Portugal international and his brother, Andre Silva, died on July 3 when their Lamborghini went off the road in northern Spain. Jota was returning to England to begin pre-season training after helping Liverpool win the Premier League title last season.

His last goal for the Reds was the decisive winner in the Merseyside derby against Everton at Anfield in April, a strike that he said gave him pride after a challenging campaign.

Last Liverpool goal had special meaning for Diogo Jota

It was a very tough season for me, but I was always there fighting, and I could help the team that day, and I’m proud of what I could still do,” Jota said in the club documentary Champions 24-25: The Inside Story.

It’s hard to describe. That’s the feeling I look for when I play football, that’s why you put all your life and all your efforts to moments like that, moments where you can decide an important game.

Jota joined Liverpool from Wolves in 2020 and went on to win the Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup during his five-year stay at Anfield.

“It is something I could not even dream as a kid. I wanted to play in the Premier League but I could never imagine to win it,” he reflected. Pictures that will be shown forever. It is a remarkable achievement for a small guy that came from Gondomar, where I had this dream.”

Liverpool have retired his number 20 shirt in honour of his service to the club. The Reds also plan to build a permanent sculpture of Jota outside Anfield, while a mural of the forward has already been painted on a building near the stadium.

August 13, 2025
Liverpool ‘Agree Personal Terms’ With Marc Guehi In Potential £35m Deal

Liverpool have stepped up their move for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi after agreeing personal terms with the defender, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Guehi played against the Reds at Wembley on Sunday, helping Palace win the Community Shield on penalties after a 2-2 draw.

The 25-year-old is in the final year of his Palace contract and has told the club he will not sign a new deal. Palace are ready to sell this summer to avoid losing him for free next year, with their asking price around £40m.

Palace chairman Steve Parish admitted on Sunday that the club may have to cash in on Guehi, saying:

For players of that calibre to leave on a free, it’s a problem for us. We’ll have to see what happens, but it needs a new contract or a conclusion of some kind.

Newcastle were also interested but are now set to sign AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw, leaving Liverpool in a strong position.

Liverpool ‘Agree Personal Terms’ With Marc Guehi In Potential £35m Deal

BBC Sport’s Sami Mokbel and The Times’ Paul Joyce report that Liverpool have held initial talks with Palace and want a deal done before the transfer window closes on September 1. The Athletic’s David Ornstein has also confirmed discussions are taking place.

Guehi is expected to want assurances over game time, especially with the World Cup next year. Liverpool already have Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté as their main centre-backs, though Real Madrid are interested in Konaté.

The Times says Liverpool are also working on a deal for 18-year-old Parma defender Giovanni Leoni, who would be a signing for the future rather than an alternative to Guehi.

Romano reports that negotiations between Liverpool and Palace are now focused on the transfer fee, which is expected to be around £35m including add-ons.

August 12, 2025
Ally McCoist Slams Alexander Isak Over Liverpool Transfer Saga

Former Scotland and Rangers striker Ally McCoist has criticised Alexander Isak’s handling of his transfer saga this summer, but admits Newcastle United might have no choice but to sell the striker for the good of the team.

Isak, 25, is pushing for a Liverpool move this summer and, according to The Athletic, has refused to play for Newcastle again if the transfer doesn’t happen, while The Times reports he has already moved out of his Newcastle home, now up for rent.

The Sweden international skipped pre-season training with the squad, instead heading to Spain for individual sessions as he recovered from a thigh injury, a move that upset manager Eddie Howe and the club.

McCoist told TNT Sports: “I think he’s acted poorly. When you sign a contract, you agree to honour it. You can’t sign a deal and then demand to leave when things don’t go your way. Newcastle fans, in particular, won’t accept that kind of behaviour.”

Ally McCoist Slams Alexander Isak Over Liverpool Transfer Saga

Liverpool have already had a £110 million bid rejected for Isak. The Reds are waiting for signals from Newcastle before making any further offers, while Newcastle continue to hold firm on their valuation, reportedly around £150 million.

With the transfer window ticking down, Howe has been searching for replacements. However, Newcastle have missed out on targets such as Benjamin Šeško, who joined Manchester United, along with Liam Delap, João Pedro, and Hugo Ekitiké. Brentford’s Yoane Wissa remains on their radar.

McCoist believes Howe faces a tough decision: “Eddie has to show strength, but the most important thing is what’s right for the club and the team. Sometimes, pushing Isak back into the squad might cause more harm than good.

“He might tell the owners, ‘We want £150 million, but he’ll be a problem if he returns to the dressing room. You might have to accept less.’

“The situation is delicate. Howe could accept a lower fee, maybe £20 million less, if it means keeping the squad stable.”

August 12, 2025
Reports: Alexander Isak Decides Not to Play for Newcastle Again

Alexander Isak has 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.

According to The Athletic, the Swedish striker has made up his mind about leaving St James’ Park and is currently training away from the first-team squad. The Times also reports that Isak has already moved out of his Newcastle home, which is now up for rent, seen as a clear sign he intends to leave permanently.

The situation comes after Isak is said to have rejected a new contract offer from Newcastle earlier this summer in the hope of securing a transfer.

Liverpool had a £110 million bid turned down, but are believed to be considering an improved offer. Newcastle remain determined to keep the 25-year-old but have accepted that he will not return to Eddie Howe’s squad in the current circumstances.

Reports: Alexander Isak Decides Not to Play for Newcastle Again

Reports claim Newcastle were aware of Isak’s plans before last season ended. It is alleged he told the club last summer that the 2024–25 campaign would be his last, after they decided against offering him a new deal due to financial restrictions. Some at the club, however, dispute that version of events and say talks over his future were scheduled for this year.

Isak is understood to have informed Howe of his desire to leave two weeks before the end of last season and again after the campaign concluded. His absence from Newcastle’s pre-season squad brought the situation into public view.

Meanwhile, Newcastle are still searching for a replacement should Isak depart. They have missed out on targets including Benjamin Šeško, Liam Delap, João Pedro and Hugo Ekitiké, but remain interested in Brentford’s Yoane Wissa.

August 12, 2025