Alexander Isak’s dreams of a move to Liverpool have been dashed after Newcastle United made it clear that the striker is not for sale this summer – and he is not a happy man. The Telegraph reports that the Swedish international did not take the news well and will continue training separately from the first team. Even more, until he accepts that his desired move will not materialise, it is claimed he will not feature for Newcastle again despite being a talismanic player for Eddie Howe.
Howe had previously suggested that Isak might depart after three years at the club. However, the Magpies’ Saudi Arabian owners have now taken a firm stance against selling the player. Liverpool’s hopes were quashed when a hefty £110million bid was rejected by Newcastle last week. The Reds have decided they won’t increase their offer unless the situation at St James’ Park changes and it appears that will not be the case despite Isak agitating for the move and being angry a switch has been blocked.
It’s understood that even if Newcastle sign a new striker, they will not reverse their decision on Isak’s future. They are currently in talks to sign Yoane Wissa from Brentford as a replacement for Callum Wilson and had shown interest in the likes of Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson, who was seen as a successor to Isak.
But any new centre-forwards will be brought in to compete, and play alongside, Isak rather than replace him. Howe, aware of the club hierarchy’s position, has been left with the task of managing the situation with the disgruntled player.
Isak didn’t join their pre-season tour of Asia but was later spotted training at his former club Real Sociedad. The club recognises that a gentle approach will facilitate his reintegration into the squad and have opted against punishing him for his antics.
Newcastle are adamant that the 25-year-old must understand he can’t simply force an exit from the club. Howe has conceded that while he’s keen to have Isak back with the team, his current behaviour prevents him being involved.
Howe remarked: “We’ve had discussions and it’s clear at the moment that we can’t involve him with the group. I don’t know how long that will be for, but that’s the latest.
“I’d want Alex to be playing today, I’d want him training tomorrow. We would love the player to be with us. Let me make that absolutely clear. There’s no part of me that doesn’t want that outcome, but I don’t see the current situation changing for Aston Villa.”
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