Alexander Isak Warned to Ignore Liverpool Transfer Speculation as Exit Rumors Swirl
Alexander Isak remains separated from Newcastle United's primary training squad, sources confirm, and has been excluded from a team-building gathering that will welcome the families of Eddie Howe's squad members.
The Swedish striker seemed destined for iconic status at St James' Park after netting the decisive goal in the Magpies' 2–1 triumph over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final last February—a moment that broke the club's seven-decade drought for domestic silverware.
However, Isak's situation in the North East has deteriorated following revelations of his desire to secure a transfer elsewhere. His unexpected wish to depart has aligned with significant attention from Premier League titleholders Liverpool, who have become aggressive in the transfer window as they prepare for a fresh chapter under Arne Slot.
The Merseyside club has already secured Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen, acquired Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth, and intercepted Newcastle's pursuit of striker Hugo Ekitiké—the French forward had been considered a prime candidate to partner Isak at Newcastle.
Liverpool submitted an official bid for Isak which was turned down, leading to suggestions they might abandon negotiations, but indications point toward a fresh attempt to secure his services—the agreement to transfer Darwin Núñez to Al Hilal for €53 million (£46.1 million, $61.3 million) signals that additional attacking options will be required at Anfield.
Following individual training sessions at his previous club Real Sociedad, Sky Sports reports that Isak has returned to Newcastle to face a notably frosty reception. The 25-year-old is conducting training in isolation, separated from the main squad, and his banishment extends to a gathering organized by manager Eddie Howe where players' families will visit the training facility for team bonding.
Isak has reportedly been instructed to arrive at the training complex after everyone else has departed, and will undertake his workout and recovery procedures in solitude.
Newcastle have encountered another setback as Manchester United secured acceptance of their offer for their new primary target, Benjamin Šeško, with the Slovenian apparently committed to joining Old Trafford, despite the absence of European competition during the 2025–26 season.
Newcastle, conversely, will return to Champions League action after clinching a top-five Premier League position on the campaign's final day.
Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson has emerged as a possible replacement option, with Newcastle now reassessing their strategy following challenging weeks that have significantly disrupted their preparations for the upcoming 2025–26 season.