Eddie Howe looking at Alexander Isak in Newcastle United training jacket
(Credit: Imago)
James Murray
Tue 19 August 2025 10:54, UK
Newcastle United star Alexander Isak could “set fire to the security of contract” situation after going on strike at St James’ Park.
Isak has emerged as Liverpool’s top target as they look to strengthen their attacking options further before the transfer window closes on 1 September.
Arne Slot’s side have seen a bid worth £110million plus add-ons rejected for the striker, with Newcastle valuing him at around £150million.
Football Insider revealed on 11 August Newcastle have no intention of selling Isak unless they can find a top-class replacement before the window closes.
The Sweden international is currently refusing to play for Eddie Howe’s side and wasn’t named in the squad for their goalless draw against Aston Villa on Saturday (16 August) following Liverpool’s interest.
Alexander Isak walking into St James' Park in a Newcastle top.
Alexander Isak is refusing to play for Newcastle United (Credit: Imago)
Alexander Isak legal verdict shared after Newcastle transfer saga
This article contains exclusive comment fromStefan Borson, a former financial adviser to Man City.
Isak registered 27 goals and six assists in 42 appearances last season, helping Newcastle finish fifth in the Premier League and win the Carabao Cup.
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The 25-year-old is under contract at St James’ Park until June 2028 after joining for £63million on a six-year deal from Real Sociedad in 2022.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson said: “I can’t see that the player has any real leverage.
“If Newcastle are adamant he’s not going, he can’t force them to sell.
“I don’t think he’s going to try some kind of legal mechanism to get himself out of the contract. I just don’t believe that.
“If he does, he can end up setting fire to the entire security of contract situation.
“A lot of people have talked about this Fifa situation, but as I read it, there is no international element at all, given that it’s a Newcastle domestic issue and it’s a Liverpool domestic issue if it’s a Newcastle to Liverpool transfer.
“So, all of that is then governed by the Premier League rules and the FA rules and, therefore, there is no Fifa element.
“Both of those rule books have to incorporate Fifa rules.
“But in terms of dispute resolution and claims for compensation, they would go under the auspices of the Premier League or the FA depending on which route they take.”
Alexander Isak in action for Newcastle United, next to a breakdown of his 24/25 stats
Alexander Isak’s stats in the 2024-25 season (Credit: Imago)
Newcastle stance to Kieran Trippier offer revealed
In terms of other transfer activity, former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson told Football Insider Newcastle are likely to reject offers for Kieran Trippier despite interest from Monaco.
Howe’s side are keen to keep a strong squad together ahead of their Champions League campaign and feel replacing the 34-year-old right-back could prove difficult.
Trippier played the full 90 minutes in Newcastle’s clash at Villa Park on Saturday.
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