Eddie Howe spoke for the first time about Alexander Isak’s transfer from Newcastle to Liverpool, telling reporters that their relationship changed over the summer.
Isak refused to train at Newcastle over the summer in a bid to force through a move to Liverpool, feeling that the Magpies had told him he could leave this summer. Newcastle denied that, and held out until transfer deadline day for a British record £125m deal.
Liverpool will hope Isak plays a key role in their Premier League title defence, while Newcastle moved quickly to sign Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa – although Wissa has already picked up an injury.
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Liverpool Unveil new signing Alexander Isak on transfer deadline day
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Facing the media ahead of Newcastle’s fixture with Wolves on Saturday, Howe broke his silence on the manner of Isak’s exit, saying the striker’s decision not to train caused communication to become ‘difficult’.
Eddie Howe says Newcastle helped Alexander Isak become player he is today, but relationship changed
Addressing Isak’s exit, Howe said they always enjoyed a good relationship but that ‘changed’ when Isak refused to train.
“Alex and I always enjoyed a great relationship. I loved working with him and I hope he loved working with us,” Howe said.
Newcastle United v Aston Villa - Premier League
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“We helped him become the player who departed us today and he helped us achieve some important milestones.
“The moment he went on strike our relationship did change and that was a turning point in our relationship. Communication became difficult from that point onwards.”
Yoane Wissa and Jacob Ramsey to miss Newcastle games with injury, Eddie Howe confirms
At the start of his press conference, Eddie Howe confirmed that new signings Jacob Ramsey and Yoanne Wissa have picked up injuries.
Eddie Howe on Yoane Wissa:
"Unfortunately he won't make this game. I saw him for the first time yesterday and he's feeling the effects of the injury sustained just before he came off [while on international duty]. We're going to have to see how he is." pic.twitter.com/x8lwF22PLw
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) September 12, 2025
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Ramsey has already made his debut off the bench after joining from Aston Villa, but has a swollen ankle and has been ruled out for a month.
Wissa was a deadline day signing from Brentford, and scored twice on international duty with DR Congo, but has picked up a knee issue over the last week and will be out for the Wolves game at least.
However, Nick Woltemade has trained well and could make his Newcastle debut against Wolves at St James’ Park.
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Newcastle United v Manchester City - Carabao Cup Third Round
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