Newcastle United supporters were still riding high on March’s Carabao Cup victory when the first hints of summer drama began to emerge.
The win at Wembley marked Newcastle’s first domestic trophy in 70 years and their first silverware since 1969, a moment fans had waited more than half a century for.
Swedish striker Alexander Isak cemented his place in club folklore by scoring the decisive second goal in the 52nd minute, helping the Magpies secure a 2-1 victory over Liverpool.
From Hero to Controversy
Fast forward five months, and the adoration for Isak has soured.
The striker is now at the center of one of the biggest ongoing transfer sagas of the Premier League summer, attempting to force a move to Liverpool after Newcastle rejected a £110 million bid.
Fans argue that signs of his intentions were visible right after the Carabao Cup final, when Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk congratulated the Newcastle team.
While van Dijk gave brief handshakes to most players, he embraced Isak and shared a private word, a moment some supporters interpreted as disrespectful.
“Started here, didn’t it, moments after we won our first domestic trophy in 70 years.
No respect from him whatsoever,” wrote @GeordieJosh on X, a sentiment echoed by many other fans.
Some noted, “I felt there was something wrong when I saw that live,” capturing the growing unease surrounding Isak’s loyalty.
Transfer Saga Dominates the Summer
The striker has made it clear to Newcastle and manager Eddie Howe that he wants to join the Premier League champions, leaving him out of training and unavailable for the season opener against Aston Villa.
Any potential move to Liverpool hinges on Newcastle signing a replacement striker and Liverpool submitting an acceptable offer.
Howe’s preferred outcome is that Isak changes his mind and stays, but even he admits that scenario is unlikely.
“I think everything is at play—Isak stays or goes—because he is contracted to us, he’s our player,” Howe said after a pre-season friendly defeat to Atletico Madrid. “The club makes the decision on his future.
Of course, I have a preferred outcome. I want the best squad possible, but I also want players who really want to play for this football club.”
Howe Acknowledges the Limits of Influence
When asked if he could persuade Isak to remain, Howe admitted, “If it was that easy, I’d be doing it and I would have done it yesterday, but it’s not.”
The Newcastle boss confirmed that following conversations with the striker, it was clear he could not train with the squad or play in matches at this stage.
“I want him training and playing for us,” Howe added. “But from both sides, it has to be right.”
Ownership and Strategic Decisions
The final say on Isak’s future lies with Newcastle’s Saudi owners.
While the club has maintained that the striker is not for sale, there is recognition that a transfer on Newcastle’s terms could benefit the team.
This strategic approach explains the pursuit of potential replacements such as Joao Pedro, Hugo Ekitike, and Benjamin Sesko.
Howe emphasized that his focus remains on managing the squad and preparing for Aston Villa, stating, “Everything else, to a degree, is not in my control, so it’s not my focus.
My priority is coaching the players I love and helping the team succeed day-to-day.”