Newcastle United’s preseason trip to South Korea may have wrapped up, but the real drama is waiting back home in Tyneside—where star striker Alexander Isak has found himself at the center of a storm.
Eddie Howe didn’t mince words when asked about the striker’s recent behaviour, making it clear that respect for the club comes first, no matter how talented the player.
Howe Not Impressed by Isak’s AWOL Stunt
Isak, who’s reportedly pushing for a big-money move to Liverpool, has been off the radar lately—and not in a good way.
Without informing the club, the Swedish striker jetted off to Spain to train at his former club, Real Sociedad.
This came after he pulled out of Newcastle’s Far East tour, citing a thigh issue—an injury that, it turns out, wasn’t even visible on scans.
That surprise solo trip didn’t sit well with Newcastle’s coaching staff, and Howe made his stance crystal clear: if Isak wants to be back with the squad, he has to earn it.
“Earn the Right to Train With Us,” Says Howe
Before flying out of Seoul on Sunday, Howe spoke to Mail Sport, defending the standards at Newcastle and calling out Isak’s conduct.
He didn’t hold back.
“You have to earn the right to train with us,” Howe said. “We are Newcastle United.
The player has a responsibility to be part of the team and the squad. You can’t act in the wrong way and expect to just slot back into the group.”
In short: there are expectations, and no player—no matter how valuable—is above the club’s culture.
Howe Still Hasn’t Spoken to Isak
Interestingly, Howe admitted that he hasn’t even spoken directly to Isak since the striker’s return to England.
He’s hoping the 25-year-old shows up for training this week, but he’s not placing any bets.
“I’d like him to be there,” Howe said. “But whether he will, I don’t know right now.”
With the team busy on the road, it’s been left to other staff members to handle the situation.
Liverpool Waiting in the Wings
While Isak remains absent, behind the scenes his agent is working hard to get him to Liverpool.
The Premier League champions already tested the waters with a £110 million bid, but Newcastle shot it down.
Liverpool are expected to return with a better offer, but only once Newcastle have a replacement lined up.
For now, they’re holding firm—and understandably so.
Sesko Tops the Wishlist, but Decision Still Pending
Newcastle are currently eyeing RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, a promising 22-year-old forward who could be their long-term replacement for Isak.
They’re in talks over a deal believed to be worth around £70 million, but the striker himself still hasn’t made a final decision.
Manchester United are also sniffing around.
Until Sesko gives the green light, Newcastle aren’t moving on Isak. They simply can’t afford to lose their frontman without a clear plan.
Yoane Wissa Could Join, but Not as Main Replacement
Meanwhile, Newcastle are also making progress in talks with Brentford’s Yoane Wissa.
The 28-year-old could offer added depth up front, but he isn’t seen as a direct replacement for Isak—more like part of a broader attacking solution.
Club Ready to Move On, But Only on Their Terms
Behind closed doors, there’s a growing feeling that a sale might be best for everyone involved. But Newcastle won’t be rushed.
Unless Liverpool return with an offer closer to £150 million and the Magpies have a replacement secured, Isak isn’t going anywhere.
A Big Decision Looms for Isak and Newcastle
So, what’s next? Either Isak returns to training and faces the music—or he stays away, pushing the standoff even further.
One thing’s certain: Howe isn’t backing down, and Newcastle won’t be bullied into a panic sale.
Whatever happens next, this transfer saga looks far from over.