Newcastle striker Alexander Isak has been told to sack his agent, with the Sweden international reportedly refusing to feature for his current club ever again. The 25-year-old has netted 54 goals in 86 Premier League appearances since moving to England three years ago but has now told his employers that he wants to explore other opportunities.
Newcastle signed Isak from Real Sociedad in 2022 after the player had previously attracted interest from Arsenal. And the talented frontman has turned into one of the deadliest finishers in the world during his time at St James’ Park, with the ace finding the back of the net during the Carabao Cup final last season as the Magpies saw off Liverpool to clinch silverware. His 23 league goals last term helped Newcastle secure their return to the Champions League as his side finished fifth in the Premier League table.
Isak may have complicated his own future after reportedly telling Newcastle chiefs that he has no desire to reintegrate with the Magpies squad.
The forward missed his team’s pre-season tour of Asia due to a “minor thigh injury” and has since been training away from his team-mates.
He hasn’t played during pre-season, with Anthony Gordon leading the line during Newcastle’s 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid on Saturday.
Isak’s situation has attracted plenty of interest throughout football, with a string of former players offering their take on it.
And ex-Scotland international, Don Hutchison, who featured 36 times for Sunderland during his playing days, wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “If I was A Isak I would sack my agent on the spot today.
“Footballers, even though they have a say and an opinion, generally take the advice from your agent. The agent has handled this saga incredibly bad. The agent is hanging his player out to dry for the money.”
Liverpool saw a £110million bid for Isak turned down at the start of August and are yet to return with an improved offer.
The Reds have already spent almost £300m this summer and have bolstered their attack with the signings of Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike. And the club may be reluctant to increase their offer by a significant amount if Newcastle are unwilling to play ball.
Meanwhile, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has admitted he’s unsure where Isak’s future lies.
“He's contracted to us. He's our player. The club make the decision on his future,” Howe explained at the weekend. “I don't know what that will be. Of course, I have a preferred outcome. I want the best and strongest squad possible, but also I want players that really want to play for this club.”