Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe will hold talks with Alexander Isak this week, with the Swedish striker set to be told in no uncertain terms what is expected
10:52, 05 Aug 2025Updated 10:52, 05 Aug 2025
Alexander Isak
Alexander Isak is pushing for a move to Liverpool(Image: PA)
One can only imagine the conversation between Eddie Howe and Alexander Isak this week.
The Swedish forward has returned to Newcastle United after skipping the pre-season tour to the Far East, and is set for a one-on-one with the Magpies' gaffer following his attempts to leave the club for Premier League champions Liverpool in a British record transfer.
Howe has kept his cool throughout the ordeal, but will undoubtedly seek clarity on the £130m-rated Isak's plans - whilst setting out his expectations for the 25-year-old striker as long as he remains a Toon player.
It's a predicament no boss relishes, yet it's not unheard of. The Magpies profited from a similar situation when they signed Anthony Gordon from Everton, but there's still annoyance over the timing of Isak's move.
Liverpool have yet to table a second offer following their initial bid of around £110m, while the Toon are on the hunt for a high-profile striker to fill the void, with RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko topping their list, reports Chronicle Live.
Alexander Isak of Newcastle United with Eddie Howe the head coach / manager of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Nottingham Forest FC at St James' Park on February 23, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
Alexander Isak returned to Newcastle training on Monday(Image: Getty Images)
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Seasoned manager Tony Pulis has been keeping an eye on the drama unfolding in Tyneside and feels for Howe's plight - arguing that players should demonstrate more loyalty to their clubs, particularly when they've played such a key role in their career progression.
"The movement of players and the amount of money that people are paying for players now, it's very, very difficult at times for myself to get my head around the prices that are being paid for these players," Pulis told BetVictor.
"But the secret of it, and Newcastle know as well as other clubs, is to have the next one lined up ready to go. Alexander Isak had such a great season last year, he was, by far, the most potent striker in the Premier League.
Alexander Isak
Alexander Isak wants to 'explore new opportunities' this summer
"At Newcastle, which is a massive, massive club, you're still going to get teams that he will see, and his agent will see, as bigger than Newcastle. The money will be enormous and everything else and the pull will be there for him to want to leave.
"So the secret is you either knuckle it down and say, no, you're not going because you have three years on his contract. You're going to see at least another season out.
"That gives us your chance then to bring someone else in to replace him. Or you keep him for one more season with European fixtures to come, which will be absolutely fantastic for Newcastle United.
Tony Pulis sends Saido Berahino on as an early substitute for West Bromwich Albion at Burnley
Tony Pulis has spoken about the situation
"I'm disappointed again for Eddie Howe that the kid has come in, done so well, they've reached a level which other clubs have reached. There's loads of clubs who haven't ever reached Champions League football.
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"They're there, they've got the opportunity, the players have got the opportunity to experience it with an unbelievable football club, with unbelievable supporters.
"It just rocks my mind at times why these kids see it differently. The grass isn't always greener on the other side of the fence. He's another one that I would be very, very, very strong with and try to keep.