Alexander Isak has made it clear he wants to join Liverpool from Newcastle United this summer
INNSBRUCK, AUSTRIA - JULY 14: Alexander Isak
during the Pre Season Training Camp at FC Seefelder Plateau on July 14, 2025 in Innsbruck, Austria. (Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
Alexander Isak missed Newcastle United's opening match of the season as speculation over his future following a failed bid from Liverpool continues
(Image: Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
Andy Carroll has criticised Alexander Isak for attempting to engineer a transfer to Liverpool and claims the striker has severed ties with Newcastle United supporters. Isak missed the Magpies' Premier League opener at Aston Villa on Saturday after making his desire to seal an Anfield switch crystal clear.
The Reds have seen one approach knocked back for the Sweden international with their £110m proposal falling well short of Newcastle's asking price, leaving both clubs in a stalemate.
Carroll made a club-record £35m move to Liverpool from Newcastle in 2011. However, the 36-year-old subsequently returned to St James' Park later in his career and maintained he never wished to depart for Merseyside initially - contrasting with Isak, reports Liverpool.com.
"Being from Newcastle, I didn't really want to leave. Didn't want to go. I wanted to stay. And it was tough when I did go," Carroll told Sky Sports.
"But Isak's not from Newcastle so he can act like he's acting now and think it's acceptable.
"It's a big move for him. The way he's playing his cards at the minute, the Newcastle fans are not going to back him, he's not going to help himself and it's a shame because he's such a good player and every Newcastle fan wants him to stay, the manager wants him to stay.
"It's not really the same as me because it's not his club. The Geordies took him in and made him one of their own but when he wants to go, that's his mind changed."
Liverpool's initial bid for Isak was rejected by Newcastle, who reportedly rate their prized asset at around £150m.
Isak declined to join the Magpies' pre-season tour of Asia, claiming a thigh problem, and instead opted to train with former club Real Sociedad.
Following his return to Newcastle, the 25-year-old has been working out in isolation and manager Eddie Howe confirmed Isak would miss the Villa fixture despite his desire to field the forward.
Howe commented: "We do (have to forget about Isak) - he's not here with us. We have to focus on who is here and get the best out of them. The players are aware he's not here, the focus will be on each player playing to the best of their ability.
"I want him to play. I want him to train. I've had those conversations (with Isak) but the details of those will remain private. There is no change to the situation.
"All my focus has been on the training, Aston Villa and the transfer front in terms of getting players in - that is all-consuming for me. Alex's situation has been unchanged for a while and that will continue to be the case."
The Magpies had to settle for a 0-0 draw at Villa Park despite seeing their opponents play most of the second half with 10 men after Ezri Konsa was sent off.
And after the match, Howe said of Isak: “The door is well and truly open,” said Howe. “He has to decide what he wants to do. We would like a resolution. The ownership, the players, we need that clarity.
“I’m not in control of that, it’s one person really that can control that.”
Newcastle's next match sees them host Liverpool on Monday, August 25. And Howe said: “I think it's always spicy against Liverpool, there's a history with the fixture anyway. It's been an unbelievable fixture over the years in the Premier League.
“So we look forward to it, we respect them, and we know how good they are. Hopefully, off the back of today, we are ready."