Alexander Isak has brought unwanted headlines on Eddie Howe's side ahead of their Premier League opening draw against Aston Villa as he attempts to force a move to Liverpool
15:48, 16 Aug 2025
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - MAY 25: Alexander Isak of Newcastle United (14) arrives for the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Everton FC at St James' Park on May 25, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
Alexander Isak is attempting to force a move from Newcastle(Image: Serena Taylor, Newcastle United via Getty Images)
Newcastle United defender Dan Burn insists that the ongoing speculation surrounding Alexander Isak's future has actually strengthened bonds within Eddie Howe's squad.
Isak's push to quit Newcastle has dominated summer transfer headlines, with Liverpool circling for his signature. The Reds have already had a £110million offer rejected, with the Magpies demanding the Premier League champions match their £150million asking price.
The Sweden striker has made his exit intentions crystal clear by snubbing the pre-season tour of Asia and training alone at former club Real Sociedad instead. He was also absent from Newcastle's opening Premier League draw against Aston Villa on Saturday.
Isak, 25, has been training separately from Howe's main group and looks set to continue doing so until his situation is sorted. Isak's predicament, coupled with several botched transfer attempts, has made for a troubling summer window at St. James' Park.
But ahead of the Villa clash, Burn admitted there was "a lot of external noise" but emphasised it hadn't disrupted their preparations. "I think so," Burn replied when quizzed about whether the Isak drama had united the Newcastle players.
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - AUGUST 16: Dan Burn of Newcastle United (33) controls the ball during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Newcastle United at Villa Park on August 16, 2025 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
Dan Burn spoke about the Alexander Isak saga(Image: Serena Taylor, Newcastle United via Getty Images)
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"I think we've now been about four or five weeks without Alex [Isak], so for us, he's obviously not involved at the moment.
"But we've got players who need to step up and contribute to the goals, and we're ready to go."
Newcastle were the superior side at Villa Park, but failed to capitalise on their opportunities as they kicked off the campaign with a goalless stalemate against Villa.
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The home side were reduced to 10 men in the second half after Ezri Konsa denied Anthony Gordon a clear run on goal. Yet Newcastle's revamped attacking trio of £55m recruit Anthony Elanga, Harvey Barnes and Gordon, deployed as a forward, couldn't find a match-winning moment.
The Magpies are anticipated to seal the signing of Brentford striker Yoane Wissa next week, filling the void left by Callum Wilson following his contract expiry.
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Howe will be seeking another frontman, which could ultimately see Isak get his desired move to Anfield before the deadline.