Alexander Isak Braces for Consequences After Liverpool Transfer Drama Explodes

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has stated that Alexander Isak must "prove himself worthy" of rejoining first-team training following reports that the striker pushed for a transfer to Liverpool during the summer window.

Isak had largely stayed out of transfer speculation throughout most of the summer until Liverpool made an unofficial inquiry for the striker in mid-July. Newcastle maintained their firm position against selling, which subsequently prompted Isak to take action.

Following the club's leading goalscorer being excluded from the pre-season squad for their tour of Asia, reports emerged that Isak had turned down a contract extension at Newcastle and expressed his wish to depart. By late July, Isak had traveled to Spain to train independently at his previous club Real Sociedad in a further effort to persuade Newcastle to enter negotiations. The strategy proved unsuccessful.

The Magpies firmly turned down Liverpool's initial official offer of £110 million ($146.3 million) last week, and reports suggest that Isak has now returned to Tyneside as the Reds consider submitting a second bid.

Nevertheless, the Swedish international will not receive a warm reception upon his return. "You must prove your worth to train alongside us," Howe declared firmly to gathered media at the conclusion of the pre-season tour. "We represent Newcastle United. The player bears responsibility to be committed to the team and the squad—proper conduct is essential. This factor is certainly relevant here.

"We will ensure that every player demonstrates this to prove their worthiness to train with the squad. No player should expect to behave inappropriately and then train with the group as if nothing happened."

Exactly what Isak must accomplish to "prove" his right to train again is yet to be determined. The 25-year-old's time in Spain doesn't seem to have irreparably damaged relationships with teammates—many of whom have supported their colleague—while Howe extended his own gesture of reconciliation.

"Naturally I would prefer him to be [at Newcastle's training facility], but whether that will happen I cannot say at this point," the English coach admitted. "We have been here dealing with the time difference, focusing on training and matches. Others have been handling that matter back home."

The responsibility now falls to Howe to address the situation. Sky Sports News reports that Isak has returned to training at Newcastle and is scheduled to meet with his manager on Monday after his return from the pre-season tour of Singapore and South Korea.