Alexander Isak’s future at Newcastle United is in doubt after the Swedish striker was reportedly told to train separately from the rest of the squad on Wednesday.
The 25-year-old has been linked with a potential British transfer record move to Liverpool after playing no part in Newcastle’s pre-season campaign so far.
Isak missed the Magpies’ summer tour of Singapore and South Korea, citing a minor thigh injury, and instead travelled to Spain to train at his former club, Real Sociedad. He has since returned to Tyneside, but Sky Sports reported that he was instructed to train alone after the rest of the squad had finished their session on 6 August.
Head coach Eddie Howe had previously underlined his expectations regarding team conduct and discipline during pre-season, stating:
“You have to earn the right to train with us. We are Newcastle United.
We will make sure that any player earns the right to train with the group. No player can expect to act poorly and train with the group as normal.”
Reports suggest Liverpool have already seen a £110 million bid rejected for Isak, with Newcastle believed to be holding out for closer to £150 million.
However, a major stumbling block remains: Newcastle have yet to secure a replacement for their star striker. Efforts to land Joao Pedro, Hugo Ekitike and Liam Delap earlier in the window have all failed, and they now face strong competition from Manchester United for RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Šeško.
Liverpool have already spent over £250 million in this transfer window, bringing in Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong.
Despite their spending, they have also recouped significant funds through the sales of Luis Díaz, Jarell Quansah, Caoimhin Kelleher, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Tyler Morton.
In addition, Darwin Núñez is reportedly close to sealing a £46 million move to Saudi club Al Hilal a deal that would free up both squad space and funds for another approach for Isak.
Since joining Newcastle from Real Sociedad in 2022 for £63 million, Isak has scored 62 goals in 109 appearances. His most iconic strike came in March, when he netted the winner against Liverpool in the League Cup final securing Newcastle’s first domestic trophy in 70 years.