Dave Hendrick: Alexander Isak distances himself from Newcastle amid Liverpool interest | OneFootball

Alexander Isak Edges Closer to Liverpool Exit as Newcastle Rift Deepens

The Alexander Isak transfer saga continues to dominate headlines, and on the latest episode of the Daily Red Podcast, host Dave Hendrick delivered a sharp and revealing update on the striker’s apparent disintegration with Newcastle United. As Liverpool fans watch developments with keen interest, it is clear the Swedish forward’s days on Tyneside are numbered.

Isak’s Disappearing Act

Speaking on Thursday’s episode, Hendrick opened with a blunt assessment: “He is not rehabbing the supposed injury at Newcastle. He has had no contact with Newcastle apparently and is refusing to engage in any contact with them.” The image painted is of a player in open rebellion against his current club. Isak is now in Spain, training at Real Sociedad’s facilities — a symbolic return to a place of comfort and autonomy, far removed from the tension at St James’ Park.

Hendrick did not mince words about the deteriorating relationship, declaring, “It is getting to the point where it’s nigh on impossible to see how they could get this back together.” Trust, it seems, has been shattered. And the implications are plain: while Liverpool are yet to submit a formal bid, the striker has distanced himself almost entirely from his current employers.

Liverpool Waiting While Newcastle Reacts

Newcastle’s stance has taken on a tone of contradiction. Hendrick pointed out the hypocrisy: “Newcastle are supposedly annoyed that we haven’t bid yet. So, is he not for sale or are you annoyed that we haven’t bid yet? Because it can’t be both.”

There is growing speculation that Newcastle want to secure a replacement before sanctioning Isak’s exit. Benjamin Sesko appears to be their top target, but even that pursuit comes with its own complications. According to Hendrick, “Sesko also has interest from Manchester United… There’s been some suggestion that he prefers to move to Manchester United.” However, Newcastle remain optimistic, believing their project offers more stability and a clearer path to development.

Darwin Nunez Could Be the Key

Hendrick floated a bold idea that could benefit both clubs. “The best thing Newcastle could do is take Sesko and then take Darwin [Nunez],” he said. Initially mentioned in jest, the proposal gained seriousness as Hendrick laid out its logic: “He can play up front by himself… takes a lot of the pressure off Sesko… and Darwin can also provide you cover in a wide area.”

Hendrick even speculated on the potential structure of a dual deal: “Let’s say we get Isak for 135. So it’s 85 in Darwin. It’s a pretty good deal for all parties, including him, because I do think that’s a place where he could go and be absolutely adored.”

Fanbase Friction and Strategic Patience

Despite tension between the clubs, Hendrick acknowledged similarities between the Liverpool and Newcastle fanbases: “Despite all the bickering and back and forth that’s gone on in recent weeks, there’s a lot of similarities between the two fanbases. Ours are just better than theirs, obviously.”

As Arne Slot shapes his Liverpool squad for a Premier League title defence, the Isak situation remains one of the summer’s most intriguing storylines. If Liverpool do make a move, it will not only signal their long-term plans for a dynamic forward line but could also unlock the logjam in Newcastle’s own recruitment strategy.

With trust broken and communication absent between player and club, the path to Anfield looks increasingly open for Isak. And if Dave Hendrick’s reading of the situation is anything to go by, the Swedish international is more than ready to make that move happen.