A significant update regarding Alexander Isak’s future emerged shortly after Manchester United finalized the signing of Benjamin Sesko.
Isak’s situation has been a hot topic this summer, as the Newcastle striker is currently training separately from the first team while trying to secure a move to Liverpool.
The reigning Premier League champions had a bid reportedly worth around £110 million rejected, and it’s been reported they won’t make a second offer unless Newcastle signals openness to negotiations.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe’s challenges have been increased by the club’s failure to land key transfer targets this summer, with Sesko being the latest player to choose a move to Old Trafford over joining the Magpies.
Although Newcastle had an accepted offer for the RB Leipzig forward, reports suggest Sesko always preferred to join Ruben Amorim’s side at Manchester United.
Minutes after Sesko’s transfer to the northwest was officially announced, Isak’s future appeared to be settled.
According to The Telegraph, the Newcastle board has informed the Swedish international that he is not for sale and will remain with the club this summer.
This decision has reportedly created tension and resentment, with Isak angry at the outcome, which explains why he is currently training away from the first team.
Isak is expected to remain sidelined until he comes to terms with the fact he will not be leaving during this transfer window. This approach is seen as a ‘high-risk’ stance by the Saudi Arabia-backed Public Investment Fund, who have maintained their position throughout the summer.
When asked about Isak’s potential return to the first team, Howe indicated the striker is unlikely to be available for their opening Premier League match against Aston Villa due to ongoing uncertainty about his future.
The manager also confirmed that Isak has recovered from the thigh injury that ruled him out of their pre-season Asia tour, despite the player visiting his former club Real Sociedad’s training ground without Newcastle’s permission.
“We’ve had discussions, and right now it’s clear he can’t be involved with the squad,” Howe said. “I don’t know for how long, but that’s the current situation.
“I want Alex playing and training with us, and we’d love to have him with the team. Let me be clear: there’s no part of me that doesn’t want that, but I don’t see the situation changing before the Aston Villa game.”
Newcastle remain linked to several forwards, including Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, and recent reports suggest Porto’s Samu Aghehowa has been added to the list after missing out on Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, and Hugo Ekitike.
None of the striker targets this summer were viewed as direct replacements for Isak, according to The Telegraph.
Isak’s contract with Newcastle runs until 2027.
Leave a Reply