Alexander Isak is ‘On Strike’ at Newcastle United in Attempt to Force Dream Liverpool Move – Journalist | OneFootball

Alexander Isak’s Strike Plunges Newcastle into Crisis

Credit must go to Craig Hope of the Daily Mail for revealing in detail the full scope of Alexander Isak’s current strike at Newcastle United. The Sweden international has made himself unavailable for selection, ruling him out of Saturday’s Premier League opener at Aston Villa and leaving Eddie Howe’s side without their star forward.

Isak’s weekly wage of £140,000 continues to be paid, despite his refusal to train with the squad. As one senior source admitted, “It did not have to be like this.” His stance, heavily influenced by his agent Vlado Lermic, appears designed to force through a transfer to Liverpool before the transfer window closes.

Contract Promises and Long-Brewing Frustrations

Tensions have been simmering since last summer, when new sporting director Paul Mitchell decided not to honour the promise of a new contract reportedly made by former co-owner Amanda Staveley. Those close to the player have long known of his unhappiness. Isak formally expressed his wish to leave earlier this summer, but few anticipated the fallout would take this bitter turn.

Photo: IMAGO

Over three years, Isak has scored 62 goals in 109 appearances, including the decisive strike in Newcastle’s first trophy win for 70 years. Howe, who once left Bournemouth for Portsmouth in pursuit of ambition, understands the lure of a big move, but insiders are frustrated that Isak did not continue to play while negotiations unfolded.

Replacement Hunt Stalls as Scenarios Narrow

Newcastle have considered multiple scenarios, from persuading Isak to sign a new contract and stay, to finding adequate replacements before sanctioning a sale. Their failed pursuit of Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig stalled Liverpool’s move, despite the Reds tabling a £110m offer that was swiftly rejected.

Yoane Wissa is expected to arrive from Brentford to help cover the gap, but this alone may not be enough. As Howe has said, all options remain on the table, yet the situation increasingly points to Newcastle forcing Isak to stay beyond the deadline and hoping he can be reintegrated.

Fractured Relationship with Club and Fans

Reports suggest some team-mates have not seen Isak in weeks, while his rented home in Tyneside has gone up for sale. His isolation from the squad is now total, and as the days pass, the warmth once felt for him in the stands and dressing room is fading. Howe wants him back, the club are keeping the door open, but the player appears unmoved.

“Not that he appears to care,” Craig Hope writes, “and that is what stings the most for those who have cared for him greatly.”

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From the perspective of a Newcastle United supporter, this entire saga feels like betrayal wrapped in arrogance. Isak has been a hero at St James’ Park, a player who delivered history with that cup-winning goal, and now he has turned his back on the club when it needs him most.

No one is denying that footballers have ambitions, but there is a right way to leave and a wrong way. Refusing to train while pocketing £140,000 a week is shameful. Fans stuck by him during injuries, celebrated every goal and sang his name, yet he has chosen to repay that loyalty by walking away from his responsibilities.

Eddie Howe has shown him nothing but respect and trust, even shaping the team around his strengths. To see Isak isolate himself from the squad and allow his agent to dictate terms is an insult to Howe, the dressing room and the supporters.

Liverpool may be a tempting move, but no player is bigger than Newcastle United. If he truly wanted out, he could have played his heart out while the club found a fair deal. Instead, this strike damages his legacy and risks alienating the very fanbase that once adored him.

Whatever happens now, he should remember that in football, bridges are easy to burn but almost impossible to rebuild.