Alexander Isak's transfer saga continues, and the Liverpool target will miss Newcastle United's first Premier League game against Aston Villa, but there is hope a resolution may still be reached
09:57, 15 Aug 2025Updated 10:03, 15 Aug 2025
Alexander Isak of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Ipswich Town FC
Alexander Isak is embroiled in a transfer saga as he tries to force a move from Newcastle to Liverpool(Image: Getty)
Newcastle United could solve Liverpool target Alexander Isak's transfer standoff by promising to let him leave next summer once they've lined up a replacement, says ex-Premier League defender Chris Powell.
The Swedish forward made his intentions to quit St. James' Park crystal clear back in July and has since attracted a jaw-dropping £110million offer from current champions Liverpool. But the Magpies rate their prized asset much higher, leaving negotiations at an impasse.
Isak has reportedly downed tools and refused to play for Eddie Howe's side this campaign as he pushes for his dream switch to Anfield, yet with no improved offer forthcoming, tensions continue to mount.
Powell, who featured for Derby County, Charlton and Watford during his playing days before moving into management, thinks there's still a path forward and suggests the club could offer Isak a compromise by pledging to sell him in 12 months once they've found adequate cover.
"There is a way back for Newcastle if they say to Isak, 'Give us a year,'" Powell explained on the Footy Accumulators No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, in partnership with BOYLE Sports.
"We've seen it before with (Cristiano) Ronaldo and (Sir Alex Ferguson) Fergie, give him a year and he can go next summer. That gives them time to get a replacement.
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Eddie Howe with Alexander Isak
Isak has been training in exile away from Howe's first-team(Image: Getty)
"At the moment, they've missed out on (Benjamin) Sesko, (Bryan) Mbeumo, one or two others, they can't get a replacement now. All of a sudden, they might panic and get players they don't necessarily want."
Newcastle have had two record-breaking bids for strikers rejected this summer, including a £70m offer for Hugo Ekitike. The French striker ended up signing for Liverpool in a £79m deal, and shortly after, another target, Benjamin Sesko, also eluded their grasp.
The Magpies made two offers for the RB Leipzig forward, with the second bid reaching £75m. However, Manchester United managed to secure his signature, despite Newcastle's higher offer.
Another potential replacement for the 25-year-old was missed out on, leaving Isak in a state of uncertainty. He is currently training separately from his Newcastle colleagues.
Powell has suggested that the club should reach a compromise with Isak, convincing him to stay for another year before guaranteeing a departure next summer when a new striker can be signed without any rush.
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However, the 55-year-old concedes that Isak's move to Liverpool seems inevitable, despite the club's insistence that their player is not for sale, reports Chronicle Live.
"I think Isak's going to Liverpool. For him to do that and express his desire to leave, he's going," Powell continued, who last coached at Sheffield Wednesday, a position he left in July.
"They're not going to keep him and tell him he's in the reserves. You can't do that anymore, those days are over. He's going to Liverpool. And if Liverpool gets him, that's it. The league is over."