Alexander Isak can’t be forced to stay at Newcastle, Eddie Howe has admitted, while suggesting he will miss their Premier League opener against Aston Villa.
The situation is clear: Isak wants a move to Liverpool; Liverpool have the money; Newcastle need a replacement.
At the moment, that third part is proving a problem as the Magpies struggle to find a player anywhere near the level of their want-away Swede.
However, even if they don’t sign a suitable striker, manager Howe has admitted it could be difficult to keep Isak.
Asked if Newcastle can tell their No. 14 he has to stay, the coach said: “It’s not that straightforward, otherwise we would have done that a long time ago.
Newcastle United's Alexander Isak arriving for training at the Newcastle United Training Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne. Picture date: Wednesday August 6, 2025.
“I don’t think we’re in a position to be able to do that currently.”
Sunday sees the Toon take on Atletico Madrid in their final friendly before the first competitive match of the season, against Aston Villa on August 16.
Isak is currently training away from the squad and Howe has suggested that won’t change any time soon.
Speaking after their 2-2 draw with Espanyol on Friday, the manager said: “I’d want Alex to be playing today, I’d want him training tomorrow.
“We would love the player to be with us – let me make that absolutely clear. There’s no part of me that doesn’t want that outcome.
“But I don’t see that changing before Aston Villa, the current situation we’re in.”
Liverpool’s first bid of about £110 million was rejected, but they are expected to return with an improved offer.
Search for a replacement
With previous target Benjamin Sesko choosing to join Man United, Newcastle have turned their attention elsewhere.
Yoanne Wissa is close to a transfer, but he is widely seen as a replacement for the departed Callum Wilson, rather than Isak’s alternative.
The talk is now surrounding 21-year-old Porto striker Samu Aghehowa, for whom the club are now “considering a move,” according to the Athletic.
No formal approach has yet been made, though, and he has four years left on his contract which includes a €100m (£86.6m) release clause.
The Magpies have also been linked to Paris Saint-Germain forward Randal Kolo Muani, but Sky Sports’ Keith Downie has rubbished the claims, saying “Newcastle are not interested” in the Frenchman.