Alexander Isak moved to Liverpool from Newcastle United on transfer deadline day
Alexander Isak and Eddie Howe.
Alexander Isak and Eddie Howe.(Image: Rene Nijhuis/MB Media/Getty Images)
Eddie Howe has admitted the saga involving Alexander Isak tested his Newcastle United players. The 25-year-old joined Liverpool on deadline day for a British record transfer fee and has signed a six-year deal with the Reds.
Isak’s switch to Anfield brought an end to a long-drawn-out saga that had lasted 55 days. The Sweden international effectively went on strike and also issued a damning statement in which he said his relationship with the club was over.
In the statement released on social media on Tuesday, August 19, the forward said promises had been 'broken' by Newcastle, who had portrayed a version of events that did not reflect the reality of his situation.
But with Isak having now secured his move to Liverpool, Howe is eager to get back to work, with his Newcastle side yet to pick up a win in the Premier League this season. "There is a huge frustration, as we know we are judged against everything we deliver," he told the Chronicle.
“And that is why the players have handled it all really well, it would have been very easy for them to feel differently about the situation. They have taken ownership of their own performances, they have viewed it absolutely brilliantly."
On the Isak saga, Howe admitted: "I don't think every squad would have been able to blank it out and carry on and make the team grow from the experience. That is always the challenge we have to be better for what happened and not succumb to it, that is the challenge ahead now."
Isak joined Newcastle in a £60m move from Real Sociedad in 2022 and scored 27 goals in 42 appearances across all competitions last season. But with him gone, Newcastle have added to their attacking options over the summer window with Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa joining the club.
However, Howe has warned that Newcastle's record signing, Woltemade, will need time to adjust to life in the Premier League after his £69million move from Stuttgart. He said: "There will be a period of adjustment so we all have to be very understanding of that.
"It is difficult for players to just to come in. He has not had a pre-season with us, and I love every player to experience that because your learning is a lot quicker.
"But I think he has qualities that translate across anyway, he is very good technically. He is very good around the box, he scores goals and I think that will translate."