Agent’s arrival: Fabrizio Romano’s update holds major implications for Liverpool and Alexander Isak.

Alexander Isak’s training absence fuels Liverpool transfer hopes

Alexander Isak’s continued refusal to take part in Newcastle United’s preseason preparations is adding to the growing belief that a move to Liverpool could be on the cards.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe admitted on Sunday that he’s unsure whether the Swedish striker will rejoin training before the start of the new campaign.

Of course, whether the Magpies will greenlight the 25-year-old’s departure without first lining up a replacement remains uncertain.

Talks are ongoing between Newcastle and RB Leipzig over the possible signing of Benjamin Sesko, though Manchester United are also in the race for the Slovenian forward.

Liverpool’s Isak hopes may soon gain clarity as Sesko negotiations unfold

Fabrizio Romano reported on Saturday via X (formerly Twitter) that Sesko’s agent has arrived in Leipzig, potentially to finalize a decision regarding his client’s future.

With Liverpool keen on Isak, Sesko’s next move could directly influence Newcastle’s willingness to sell — which would, in turn, benefit Arne Slot’s side if a deal for the Swede becomes more feasible.

That said, nothing is certain for Newcastle just yet. Other reports suggest Sesko himself prefers a transfer to Manchester United — a surprising preference, given the club’s 15th-place Premier League finish last season.

It’s disappointing, particularly when Newcastle are in the Champions League and appear to be building something impressive. Whether they can persuade Sesko remains to be seen.

Newcastle’s transfer dilemma isn’t new — just ask Anthony Gordon

This isn’t the first time Newcastle have found themselves in this situation. Football is often filled with contradictions: what one club condemns one week, it might celebrate the next.

Liverpool, for instance, have frequently dealt with key players pushing for exits — but in recent years, their growth and success have made them a destination club themselves.

And Newcastle aren’t unfamiliar with using similar tactics. A clip shared by Rob Gutmann of The Anfield Wrap highlights how Anthony Gordon skipped training at Everton in early 2023 amid his transfer to Newcastle.

Ultimately, this is how modern transfers work. One club’s gain is another’s loss. Newcastle may be on the rise, but even their best players aren’t immune to the draw of a club like Liverpool — one of Europe’s elite.