Alexander Isak’s frustration at Newcastle United is understandable and there was indeed some logic in selling him to Liverpool, but it may now be simply too big of a risk.
Isak wants to leave Newcastle and despite Liverpool suggesting they are prepared to walk away from talks to sign him, a fresh bid from Anfield has been predicted.
While losing Isak would be painful for Newcastle, there was at least a case to sell him this summer if the club could do it on their terms.
Newcastle would bank huge money by selling the Swede, who now sees his future elsewhere.
Still, a dreadful summer for Eddie Howe looks to be getting worse. Key target Benjamin Sesko now looks set to join Manchester United despite a club-record offer from Newcastle.
As such, Isak may not be able to leave St James’ Park. The club do not have a replacement lined up, so selling him would leave the club without a convincing senior striker ahead of the new season.
Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie has shared the latest.
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Alexander Isak could be forced to make U-turn on Newcastle United future
Downie was speaking on a video posted on YouTube.
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He suggested that the Newcastle United manager may now have to get Isak’s head back in the game, with the club needing him to stay.
With Sesko seemingly going elsewhere, there may be no scope to sell Isak despite his desire to go.
Howe was critical of Isak’s behaviour after the pre-season tour of Asia, which Isak missed due to a minor thigh injury. He did, however, undertake an individual fitness regime at former club Real Sociedad.
“It will be intriguing to see how Newcastle manage to deal with the situation, how Eddie gets his [Isak’s] head in the right space,” he said.
“I think that’s what’s going to have to happen if this Sesko deal doesn’t come through.”
The striker Newcastle United could sign after Benjamin Sesko rejects them
Newcastle are confident about signing Yoane Wissa from Brentford, although fans could be forgiven for thinking they’ve heard that before.
Wissa wants to join Newcastle and has missed Brentford training in order to force a move away. That stance is hardly admirable, particularly considering supporters have been angry at Isak for seemingly doing the same thing.
Still, even if Wissa does arrive, that doesn’t mean Isak will be leaving.
Wissa could be viewed as a potential replacement for Callum Wilson, who has now joined West Ham on a free transfer after leaving Newcastle.