+ Success in England
Alexander Isak signed a six-year contract with Newcastle in August 2022. The Swede was then seen as a major attacking promise but still exceeded expectations during his initial three seasons. In 2024, he came third in the top scorer league, in 2025 he came second. Isak was also instrumental when Newcastle won the league cup final against Liverpool in May this year – the club's first title in 70 years. There are different versions of what happened after the triumph. According to Isak's own statements and British media, the Swede should have been promised at least that Newcastle's investment under the Saudi owners would continue. There are also unconfirmed reports that Isak should have been given a promise to be allowed to leave Newcastle for a "bigger club".
+ Then the crack was noticed
Rumors that Isak was not satisfied with Newcastle took off in earnest when the Swede missed the club's preseason camp in Asia at the end of July. Newcastle claimed he was injured. Consistent media reports pointed instead to Isak wanting to leave the club. The 25-year-old trained individually with his old club Real Sociedad, and when Newcastle returned to England from the preseason tour, Isak was allowed to continue training on his own and not with his teammates.
We have had discussions and it is clear right now that we cannot involve him in the group, said Newcastle's coach Eddie Howe then.
+ Open conflict and war of words
Isak was awarded by his colleagues in the Premier League a place in the team of the year. But the Swede was not present at Tuesday's gala. Instead, Isak posted a post on Instagram where he for the first time publicly commented on the conflict. According to Isak, "promises have been broken and trust is gone". The Swede also writes that "change is best for all parties involved". Newcastle responds with a statement saying that "Alex is under contract" and that no promises have ever been made that the Swede can leave this summer. Furthermore, "the conditions for a sale have not been met", according to the club.
+ Liverpool next?
Reigning champion club Liverpool is said to have been in contact with Newcastle for a transfer earlier in the summer, but not yet managed to get the deal done. There have also been reports that Saudi clubs are interested in Isak's signature. Newcastle meet Liverpool in the league on Monday.
Newcastle has tried to strengthen the attack during the summer and was reported to be interested in the Frenchman Hugo Ekitike – who chose Liverpool.
Newcastle is said to want to buy Brentford's Yoane Wissa, who like Isak "argues" himself away from his club and was not involved in Brentford's first match of the season over the weekend.
+ Then the transfer window closes
The British transfer window closes on September 1. Liverpool has in recent years been in a similar situation when players Philippe Coutinho and Luis Suarez wanted to leave the club. In both cases, the players were reintegrated into the team for a period before being sold later. Coutinho was sold during the January window, Suarez the following summer.
