Eddie Howe answers big question NUFC fans were asking
Former Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak watched from the sidelines as Liverpool were beaten 3-0 by Manchester City on Sunday.
Alexander Isak’s move to Liverpool hasn’t exactly gone according to plan so far.
Over two months after joining the club from Newcastle United for a Premier League record £130million fee, he is still yet to score a league goal. Isak’s only goal for Liverpool in eight appearances so far came in the Carabao Cup against Southampton.
Liverpool have reached the final of the competition in each of the last two seasons but have since been knocked out by Crystal Palace.
Isak has been struggling with his fitness and a recurring groin issue, having missed all of pre-season for Newcastle and the start of the Premier League campaign before making the switch to Merseyside on deadline day.
After four games out with a groin issue, Isak returned to the bench for Liverpool’s match at Manchester City.
But he didn’t get on the pitch as Erling Haaland, Nico Gonzalez and Jeremy Doku helped City to a convincing win at the Etihad Stadium.
Alexander Isak decision slammed
The decision to keep Isak on the bench was slammed by talkSPORT’s Alex Crook, as he said: “I find it bizarre. This is the most expensive player in the history of English football.
“Surely he can’t be so unfit, Alexander Isak. I know he’s just back from injury, but they’re chasing a game, Liverpool.
“They’ve been chasing it basically from the first minute because City have been so dominant and he’s not brought him on. I mean, how can you?
“I know he didn’t train with Newcastle in the summer, but how as a professional athlete in 2025 can you enable yourself to get so unfit that your manager can’t bring you on in a game of this magnitude?”
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Alexander Isak sent Newcastle United message by Manchester City fans
Isak did spend some time warming up on the touchline during the game, though in hindsight, he probably wished he didn’t given the fact he didn’t get on the pitch and Manchester City fans aimed a chant at him.
In a video posted by Cal_Cutter_Chats on TikTok, Man City fans could be heard chanting: “You should have stayed at Newcastle.”
Should Alexander Isak have ‘stayed at Newcastle’?
Ultimately, had Isak been happy and satisfied at Newcastle, keeping himself fit over the summer, he could have enjoyed a positive start to the season.
But the reality was quite different and it got to the point where it was best for all parties that Isak left Newcastle. The Magpies’ signing of Nick Woltemade initially softened the blow of Isak’s departure but the club have struggled for goals and form in the Premier League this season and sit two points above the relegation zone.
But Woltemade was signed as a long-term replacement for Isak which would require a period of transition to adapt to. It was Yoane Wissa signed as the instant impact goalscorer but has failed to make an appearance so far due to a knee injury picked up days after his £55million move from Brentford.
All in all, it’s been a frustrating time for all involved.
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