SkySport: Isak tells Newcastle he wants to explore other options

Newcastle United’s preparations for the 2025/26 season have taken a dramatic turn following Alexander Isak’s indication that he is open to exploring other options in the current transfer window.

The club’s star striker, who missed the 4-0 pre-season defeat to Celtic and has been left out of the Asia tour, is reportedly unsettled amid growing interest from top European clubs—most notably Liverpool.

While Isak has not submitted a formal transfer request, his intentions have created a stir at St. James’ Park and left Eddie Howe and the Magpies’ management with a critical decision to make.

Isak still has three years remaining on his contract, placing Newcastle in a strong bargaining position. The club values him at £150 million and insists he is not for sale.

However, the timing of this situation is particularly disruptive, as Newcastle had set ambitious goals for this window, targeting key reinforcements to strengthen their squad for a season that includes Champions League football.

Already, they’ve added Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest—ironically a fellow Swede and international teammate of Isak’s—who recently expressed excitement about playing alongside the forward. But now, that dream partnership is under threat.

The root of the tension seems to stem from Isak’s desire for both a new challenge and recognition equal to his standing in the Premier League.

Having emerged as one of the top strikers in England, he feels underpaid compared to peers in similar roles across rival clubs. Though discussions over a contract extension have taken place, nothing has materialized.

Meanwhile, Liverpool made an informal inquiry last week but later secured Hugo Ekitike for £79 million. Despite this, they reportedly remain admirers of Isak and could still re-enter the frame if Newcastle softens its stance.

Eddie Howe has taken a cautious but empathetic approach. Speaking after the Celtic game, he confirmed it was his decision to send Isak home due to the growing speculation.

He emphasized the need to protect players from unnecessary distractions, adding that Isak had been training well and remained professional throughout.

Howe reaffirmed the club’s commitment to keeping its top talents, calling Isak “irreplaceable” and noting the difficulty of finding and developing such high-caliber players.

Behind the scenes, Newcastle’s transfer operations have been far from smooth. The absence of a permanent sporting director and the ongoing search for a new CEO have added pressure on Howe, who, along with his nephew Andy, has been leading recruitment efforts.

The club has missed out on several key targets, including Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, and Dean Huijsen. Now, their focus has shifted to Brentford’s Yoane Wissa as a possible reinforcement up front.

Wissa, who scored a significant share of Brentford’s 39 goals last season alongside Bryan Mbeumo, is reportedly eager to leave.

However, Brentford—having already sold Mbeumo to Manchester United for £71 million—are reluctant to part with another key attacker. Their valuation of Wissa has jumped to around £40 million, while Newcastle had hoped to secure him for closer to £35 million.

Initially intended as backup to Isak, Wissa could now find himself thrust into the lead role should Isak depart.

The uncertainty surrounding Isak’s future comes at a delicate time. Newcastle’s fans, thrilled by the club’s resurgence and return to elite European competition, had hoped for a summer of reinforcement and stability.

Instead, they face the risk of losing one of the Premier League’s most prolific forwards just as the club looks to take the next step.

How this situation resolves could have lasting implications. Newcastle must weigh their options: offer Isak a new contract with improved terms, allow him to leave for a record fee, or hope time and clarity will bring him back into the fold mentally and emotionally.

With just weeks until the new season kicks off, Eddie Howe is left navigating not only transfer challenges but also the morale of a team on the cusp of something great.

For Newcastle United, the summer transfer window was supposed to be about building a team capable of challenging on all fronts. Instead, they’re now fighting to keep their most prized asset from walking out the door.