Newcastle Striker Alexander Isak Refuses Play, Seeks Liverpool Transfer

Alexander Isak has firmly decided to end his Newcastle United career, making it clear he will not play for the club again even if a transfer to Liverpool does not materialize before the summer window closes. Despite Newcastle's public stance that Isak is not for sale, the club is quietly exploring options, particularly as they seek to sign new strikers. Liverpool, having had an initial £110m-plus add-ons offer rejected, remain interested and may increase their bid to around £150 million to secure the Swedish forward, who has verbally agreed personal terms with them. Isak communicated his desire to leave Newcastle to manager Eddie Howe near the end of the 2024-25 season, frustrated by the club's decision not to offer him a new contract due to financial regulations, and has since been training alone and excluded from match squads. The situation has drawn criticism from pundits like Ally McCoist, who condemned Isak's conduct, while the Newcastle fanbase faces the prospect of losing their top scorer and Carabao Cup hero, who netted 27 goals last season. Liverpool could finalize the transfer before the deadline, potentially adding a marquee striker to their squad early in the season.