The unsavoury and unwelcome Alexander Isak saga at Newcastle United continues.
Isak is desperate to leave Newcastle amid interest from Liverpool, who have seen a huge offer for the Sweden international rejected.
Isak remains a Newcastle United player, although the definition of that is being stretched as things stand.
Indeed, as per Craig Hope of The Daily Mail, Isak is on strike at St James’ Park and will likely be fined once he misses a competitive match.
Alexander Isak is on STRIKE, I can confirm… but how does this play out?
Major update on club fine
But why he will NOT cross picket line
NUFC striker search latest
And why Liverpool are waiting to pounce
BIG READ ON ISAK LATEST https://t.co/XrKbFsYJu0
— Craig Hope (@CraigHope_DM) August 14, 2025
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Newcastle fans are furious with Isak, who faces a long road back into their hearts if he does end up staying on Tyneside.
Wanting to leave the club is one thing. Isak is one of the best strikers in the world and, at 25, it’s only natural to want to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world who can consistently challenge for major trophies on an immediate basis.
Still, to effectively down tools is another matter entirely. Isak has been criticised for letting Newcastle down, and Luke Edwards has offered some more insight.
Alexander Isak in action for Newcastle United against Nottingham Forest.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
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The message Alexander Isak’s agent sent him
On Thursday, The Daily Telegraph journalist took to social media platform X.
Edwards revealed that Isak’s agent had told him that he just needed to behave badly to force a move to Anfield, even despite the fact Liverpool are not willing to pay Newcastle’s £150million valuation.
He adds that the move “probably” isn’t going to happen now and that the chances of it having been fading “rapidly” for weeks.
What Eddie Howe has said about Alexander Isak now
Eddie Howe has dealt with the situation very well. It’s hard to think what Newcastle have done wrong here but, still, they need to be very careful given he could well return to the fold after the transfer window shuts.
The fact is that Liverpool haven’t made a compelling bid. If and when they do, perhaps Newcastle have something serious to think about. No matter how much he wants to leave, there hasn’t been an offer anywhere near his valuation. Are Newcastle supposed to just roll over and allow him to go on the cheap?
Howe hasn’t been too critical of the striker in public, even though it has no doubt had a damaging impact on his plans for the 2025/26 season.
Speaking to BBC Sport, the Newcastle United manager said: “I don’t think it’s been healthy for us.
“I don’t deny that’s been a big challenge.
“Alex, for me, is one of the best strikers in the world – if not the best. To miss him from your squad leaves a huge gap.”