Newcastle manager Eddie Howe appeared defeated about Alexander Isak's future at St. James' Park as Liverpool continues its pursuit of the striker.
Isak, 25, has been adamant about leaving the Magpies this summer. Liverpool launched a $137.5 million offer for the player, which was rejected. Sweden International has not played for Newcastle this season following a summer of speculation. Still, his future could be decided before the summer transfer deadline, with the club agreeing to a $87.5M deal for Stuttgart striker Nick Woltemade.
Liverpool appears poised to launch a second bid for Isak as Newcastle nears a new No. 9. "You can't be oblivious to things that have happened," Howe said. "You've got to look at all the information. I have a footballing preference but then you have to take everything else into account, you can't just be oblivious to things that have happened."
Liverpool manager Arne Slot was seemingly pleased to hear that Newcastle had agreed a deal for a striker, which could make their Isak mission slightly easier.
Speaking ahead of Liverpool's clash with Arsenal this weekend, Slot was asked about the arrival of Woltemade at St James' Park, to which he replied: "Newcastle United signed a new No. 9, which is very nice for Eddie Howe!"
He continued: “Newcastle have signed a - and if it's true - a new No. 9 which is nice for Eddie because (Anthony) Gordon is suspended and Isak is not playing. So it's nice for them.
Alexander Isak points on the pitch
Newcastle United's Alexander Isak continues to be linked with a transfer to Liverpool (Image: 2025 Getty Images)
“After Monday night, I said that again I could make a sub that impacted the game.
"Federico (Chiesa) and Rio (Ngumoha), as always we try to sign players that can help us but there's no reason to complain after first two games but if we can strengthen then we always try to do that for the right player and right player. Let's see if we do something what we can do."
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