Eddie Howe has admitted his once-strong relationship with Alexander Isak shifted irreversibly when the Sweden international went on “strike” to secure a record-breaking move to Liverpool.
Isak, who became the most expensive signing in British football history after completing a £125m deadline-day transfer to Anfield, had been training away from his Newcastle United teammates during the opening weeks of the season. He refused to play in the club’s first three fixtures, with his desire to force through the move eventually leading to a breakdown in communication with Howe.
“Alex and I always enjoyed a great relationship,” Howe reflected. “I loved working with him. He helped us achieve some unbelievable milestones, and we helped him develop into the player he is today. But the moment he went on strike, our relationship did change. That was probably a turning point.”
Liverpool Move Ends Newcastle Chapter
For Newcastle, Isak’s departure represents the first sale of a key player since Howe’s appointment nearly four years ago. The 25-year-old was central to the Magpies’ rise into Europe, scoring goals consistently while spearheading their attack.
Liverpool’s pursuit was relentless. An opening bid of £110m was turned down in August, but after Newcastle secured the signing of German striker Nick Woltemade for £69m and moved closer to bringing in Yoane Wissa, the club relented when Liverpool returned with an improved £125m package.
Howe admitted that while Newcastle are determined to retain their core players, the allure of a move to one of Europe’s biggest clubs ultimately changed Isak’s mindset.
“I don’t think Alex ever stopped enjoying his time here,” Howe said. “From day one, he looked like he loved being part of the team. The issue wasn’t with Newcastle, but when another club came in, that changed his thought process. That’s football.”
Thin Squad Faces Wolves Test
The timing of Isak’s departure leaves Newcastle stretched in attack. With Anthony Gordon suspended, Wissa sidelined through a knee injury, and midfielder Jacob Ramsey ruled out until October, Howe will have to piece together his squad carefully ahead of Saturday’s Premier League fixture against Wolves.
Fortunately, Woltemade is in line to make his debut. The 22-year-old striker joined from Stuttgart and arrives with a strong reputation in the Bundesliga. His enthusiasm to join Newcastle was a decisive factor in the transfer, according to Howe.
“It’s absolutely crucial to bring in players who want to be here,” the head coach stressed. “You can look at ability, of course, but if a player is unsure, then it makes everything difficult. The transfers that have worked best for us – Bruno Guimaraes, Dan Burn, Kieran Trippier – were players desperate to sign. That desire carries you through difficult moments.”
Recruitment Lessons
The Isak saga underscored the challenges Newcastle face in retaining their stars while also competing in the transfer market. Earlier in the summer, the Magpies missed out on several striking targets, including Hugo Ekitike, Benjamin Sesko, and Joao Pedro, each of whom opted for other destinations.
This forced Newcastle to adjust their approach, focusing on securing players committed to the project rather than chasing names with uncertain intentions. Howe believes this philosophy has already served the club well and must continue to guide their decisions.
“In every successful signing we’ve made, there’s been that drive and hunger,” Howe said. “That’s what we’ll keep looking for, players who want to be part of Newcastle United for the right reasons.”
Moving On Without Isak
For Howe, the priority now is moving forward. Isak’s goals will be hard to replace, but the Newcastle boss remains optimistic that his current squad, reinforced by Woltemade and Wissa, can adapt.
“I only want to work with players who want to be here,” Howe concluded. “We thank Alex for what he gave us – he was a huge part of our journey. But now it’s about the future, about building with those who are committed. That’s where our focus lies.”
With Liverpool unveiling their record signing and Newcastle preparing for life without him, the contrast is stark. Yet Howe’s emphasis on commitment, hunger, and unity suggests that while Isak’s strike may have ended a chapter, it will not define Newcastle’s story moving forward.
