Alexander Isak's behaviour as he attempts to force an exit from St James' Park has angered Newcastle fans, but a former Magpies favourite has warned both the Sweden star and fans about their reactions
Richard Lewis
13:29, 24 Aug 2025Updated 13:29, 24 Aug 2025
Alexander Isak during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Everton FC at St James' Park.
Alexander Isak can find a way back in at Newcastle - but it will be difficult(Image: George Wood/Getty Images)
Newcastle fans will forgive but not forget Alexander Isak’s summer strike.
The Swedish striker has downed tools in protest at the collapse of his proposed move to Liverpool, Newcastle’s Premier League opponents tomorrow night. But Toon favourite Warren Barton believes that manager Eddie Howe needs to stand firm – and either keep him at St James’ Park or sell him for top dollar.
Barton knows all about big-money transfers. The now 56-year-old, who made more than 165 appearances for Toon in seven years, become the most expensive defender in British history when he signed for Newcastle for £4million in 1995.
He said: “I just hope for the sake of football in the sense that the club make him stay or get £150m for him. Unless they offer him that type of money, don’t let him go.
“I think someone has to make a stand. You can’t just put down tools and think that you that’s going to be enough to get away. Life shouldn’t work like that. I know the modern game – it’s a business but it should also be about loyalty. It wasn’t too long ago that he signed a new contract.
Alexander Isak waves
Alexander Isak is looking for a move away from Newcastle(Image: Serena Taylor, Newcastle United via Getty Images)
“I’m always someone who wants to forgive and forget and move on, because he’s a good player, and I genuinely think Alex is a good lad, but he’s being badly advised at the moment.
“I don’t agree with the burning of the shirt. I don’t think that’s right. Isak has scored goals and been excellent for us in the last couple of years. For me, he’s part of the family.
“At the moment you wonder how he could play for Newcastle again. But if all this resolves itself and he bangs in a last-minute winner against someone in September then it’s happy days again.”
Eddie Howe with Alexander Isak
Eddie Howe has had to deal with Alexander Isak's absence(Image: PA)
Newcastle started their season with a 0-0 draw at Aston Villa last weekend. With Isak’s situation remaining unresolved as Liverpool roll into town, it’s shaping up to be a huge week on Tyneside.
But for Barton, it’s very much a case of, ‘In Eddie we trust’. “After squeaking into the Champions League and winning a first trophy in 70 years in domestic football, Eddie has done a great job,” he said.
Warren Barton
Warren Barton has slammed both Isak and Newcastle fans' behaviour(Image: Getty Images)
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“We still haven’t got a sporting director at the moment but to bring the players we’ve brought in has given everyone a real lift. Then you throw a spanner in the works and it feels like a little bit of doom and gloom.
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“But at the end of the day, we’ve strengthened our squad, we’re in the Champions League and are probably in a better position than we were last time we were there.
“I’m a big fan of Eddie. I spoke to him in Philadelphia when they were over here in pre-season and I said, ‘Don’t deviate’. To be fair, he has stuck to his guns and kept going, he keeps believing. He has kept a level head.”