Alexander Isak's potential blockbuster move to Liverpool is set to dominate the rest of the summer transfer window - but how did his relationship with Newcastle unravel to bring us here?
Alexander Isak
Alexander Isak's Newcastle future is hanging by a thread
(Image: Getty Images)
It's been a rapid and bruising fall for Alexander Isak, who's gone from Newcastle's golden boy to public enemy in record time. The Swedish forward is at the centre of an escalating tug-of-war between the Magpies and Liverpool, with a British record transfer hanging in the balance.
Once the crown jewel of St James' Park, Isak's bond with Newcastle supporters appears shattered beyond repair. Reports suggest he is unwilling to play for the club again - even if no transfer comes to pass. So how has it come to this bitter breaking point?
Just a short time ago, Isak's future on Tyneside looked relatively safe. With three years left on his deal and a valuation of £150m meant to deter all but the boldest buyers, it seemed inevitable he would remain at the club through the summer.
But Liverpool's relentless pursuit has changed things. Even after splashing cash on Hugo Ekitike, the Reds have stayed determined in their chase. They want Isak, and it seems Isak wants them. But with Newcastle standing firm, the 25-year-old has been forced to take drastic action.
As the September 1 window deadline looms, the deadlock has thrown the Magpies' summer into chaos, disrupted pre-season routines, and left supporters reeling from the betrayal from a man they once idolised.
Isak's refusal to reintegrate could signal the beginning of the end of an explosive saga bubbling with broken promises, bruised egos, and big-money bids. Here, we revisits the sequence of events that brought things to this combustible stage.
Alexander Isak
Isak's relationship with Newcastle has slowly deteriorated
The broken promise: Summer 2024
The chain reaction began in March 2024, when Newcastle's then-co-owners Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi met with Isak and his team, sketching out visions of a bright, trophy-chasing future. By that point, Isak had already cemented his reputation as one of Europe's most dangerous forwards and was looking to be paid like it.
The owners assured him improved contract terms were imminent - both as a reward for his impact and as a clear sign the club intended to build around him. However, those promises quickly unravelled.
Alexander Isak playing for Newcastle United
Isak was promised a new contract with improved terms, but the offer was withdrawn
In July, a change in the club's hierarchy saw Staveley and Ghodoussi depart, replaced by a new leadership headed by sporting director Paul Mitchell. Mitchell, conscious of Profit and Sustainability Rule constraints, abruptly halted plans for an extension.
With Isak tied to the club until 2028 and earning about £150,000 a week - among the top salaries in the squad - he ruled there was no need for upgrades and no room for compromise. The Swede felt slighted, convinced his value to the team wasn't being reflected.
Betrayal in black and white: October 2024
Isak's 2024/25 season began underwhelmingly - a single goal from seven appearances - but more telling was his body language, which at times was tense and withdrawn - hinting at frustrations beyond mere goal droughts. He felt undervalued by the club, a simmering discontent that turned to resentment when Newcastle handed someone else what he'd long been promised.
In October, Anthony Gordon signed a lucrative long-term deal, extending his stay until 2030 and significantly boosting his wages. To Isak, this was a slap in the face.
Liverpool had been circling Gordon for months, and Newcastle's decision to secure him to a longer, improve contract was expected - but for Isak, it felt like an unmistakable snub - and an indication about where the club's priorities lay.
Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak chatting on the pitch
Isak was left furious when Newcastle didn't hand him an improved contract, like they did with Anthony Gordon
Glory and grievances: Spring 2025
On the pitch, Isak eventually channelled his frustration into performances of ruthless efficiency. He closed the campaign with 27 goals across all competitions, including the winner in the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool - a 2-1 victory that broke Newcastle's 70-year wait for domestic silverware. It should have been the cementing of his legend.
Yet beneath the surface, cracks began to deepen. As spring turned to summer, Newcastle's position softened, and a lucrative contract offer - potentially placing him among the Premier League's highest earners - was drafted. But by this point, Isak was contemplating life elsewhere, particularly with Liverpool's interest growing stronger.
Reports in early summer revealed that Isak was demanding £300,000 a week to sign fresh terms, while Newcastle's budget could stretch only to £200,000 - roughly £50,000 more than his current pay. With that gulf unbridged, the offer was never officially presented, leaving discussions frozen.
Alexander Isak of Newcastle United shoots to score the second goal during the Carabao Cup Final between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Wembley Stadium on March 16, 2025 in London, England
Isak scored the winner against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final in March
Pre-season powder keg: July 2025
When Newcastle's 2025 pre-season tour to Asia came around, Isak was conspicuously left out. Officially, a "minor thigh injury" kept him sidelined. The real reason why, however, soon became clear.
Liverpool had put Isak at the top of their summer shortlist. But after being told he wasn't for sale, they pivoted toward Ekitike - who was on the verge of joining Newcastle. At that moment, Liverpool issued an ultimatum: sell us Isak, or we will hijack your Ekitike move.
Newcastle held firm, but the tables turned within days. Ekitike signed for Liverpool, and soon after, Isak told Newcastle he wanted to "explore his options" - a polite way of asking to join the Reds.
Alexander Isak with Eddie Howe
The striker refused to join Newcastle's pre-season tour and has since been banished
Losing Ekitike was painful enough, but having also missed out on Liam Delap and Joao Pedro, Newcastle now faced a summer without a clear replacement for their unsettled talisman. The rest of the squad jetted off to Asia, while Isak's stance added more fuel to Liverpool's chase.
Exile and escalation: August 2025
Liverpool made their move on August 1 with an initial £110m bid, potentially worth £120m through add-ons. Newcastle refused, holding to their £150m valuation.
Liverpool indicated they wouldn't increase their bid unless Newcastle's stance softened - shifting the burden onto Isak. In the meantime, the striker trained alone, separated from first-team activities. Pictures of the Swede have also been taken down from the club shop, while Adidas staff told Chronicle Live that during the club's trip to South Korea, jersey sales with Isak's name and number dropped dramatically.
Alexander Isak
Isak is pushing hard to join Liverpool
Eddie Howe even blocked him from attending a staff-and-family barbecue at the training ground, wary of the mood surrounding him. The manager later admitted it was unlikely Isak would play against Aston Villa in the league opener, though he publicly insisted the situation wasn't beyond repair.
With Newcastle unwilling to lower their valuation and Liverpool unwilling to raise theirs, the saga seemed destined to stall. Then came reports that Isak was ready to reintegrate and even commit to a new contract if a transfer fell through - only for a fresh bombshell to emerge, seemingly dashing any hope of a truce.
Nuclear fallout: August 2025
Then, the decisive twist: it became clear that Isak still has no intention of returning to Newcastle and that he was "adamant" he has played his final match for Newcastle and will refuse to feature again, regardless of whether a move materialises.
From his side, the breaking point came when Newcastle backtracked on the contract promise from 2024. Some within the club deny he ever signalled that last season would be his swansong.
As the deadline races nearer, the Isak saga stands as a stark reminder of football's fragility - where the adored face of a team can turn into an exile in a matter of months. Whether Newcastle eventually yield or Liverpool abandon the chase, the fallout will be felt at St James' Park for seasons to come, a cautionary tale of loyalty lost and ambitions colliding.