‘A damaged relationship’ – how Isak saga could unfold

As the new Premier League season draws closer, the uncertainty over Alexander Isak’s future has intensified.

Newcastle play Aston Villa on August 16 but they appear far from prepared with only one player signed this summer, Anthony Elanga, and their talisman striker, who is reportedly determined to leave the club.

Isak has been training at his former club Real Sociedad as he recovers from a “minor thigh injury” while his team-mates are traveling in Asia on a pre-season tour.

Should he leave, Newcastle will rightly be expecting a significant fee for a player who has scored more than 20 Premier League goals in each of the last two seasons.

When Isak joined Newcastle in a deal worth £60m from Real Sociedad three years ago he said one of the reasons he moved was because he believed in their project.

In part, a return to European football would have been a requirement, as they did in his debut season, when he scored 10 goals in 27 games to help them finish fourth in the Premier League.

Isak added 21 league goals in 2023-24 and 23 last year, helping the club reclaim the Champions League, and scored the winning goal in the League Cup final to put Newcastle on their 70-year wait for domestic silverware.

Since joining Newcastle only Manchester City’s Erling Haaland (84) and Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah (65) have scored more goals in the Premier League than Isak’s total of 50.

The Sweden international has teamed up with some of Europe’s best marksmen over the same time because of his numbers over the past few seasons.

Isak’s 44 strikes came from an expected goal of 40.7%, beating his overall average by 3.3 during this time.

“Isak is Newcastle’s best striker since Alan Shearer”, said Matthew Raisbeck, who covers the club for BBC Radio Newcastle.

He was revered on Tyneside and was the player who scored the decisive goal at Wembley, one of many special black and white moments.

Should Isak leave the club despite the noises from Newcastle, it does not suggest that he has no future there.

The 25-year-old is anticipated to start training with his team-mates the following week.

” He is still our player, “said manager Eddie Howe.

He has a contract with us, he says. We have some control over what comes next for him.

“I would love to believe all possibilities are still available to us. I wish he would stay, but I can’t control that.

He should stay, and I’d like to see him play again next year.

That’s the club’s stance – but the supporters may feel a little differently.

Isak has received praise for his accomplishments, but some find it unsettling that he wants to leave.

Lee Johnson from the Newcastle podcast True Faith said, “We just had an amazing season where we won our first trophy in 70 years, and he helped us win.”

” The hope was that this summer would have been a transformation for ourselves but it seems to be turning into a bit of a nightmare now. “

Steve Howey, a former Newcastle defender, added: “He’s at a club where I adore a lot. It would have to be a club that he would like to leave for because they have won money, are in the Champions League, and have incredible money.

“He has been looked after very well by Newcastle, has three years left on his contract and we’re open to giving him a pay rise, but for him to have his head turned is just disappointing at this stage.

Since he joined, Isak’s goals alone have netted Newcastle 30 points, and it will be difficult to replace them.

A number of forwards have been identified to fill the void with Brentford’s Yoane Wissa and RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko both targets.

Sesko scored 13 goals in the Bundesliga and 21 goals in 45 games across all competitions last year, compared to Wissa’s 19 in the Premier League.

They are excellent players, but there are a number of reasons why the transfer market for Newcastle has been slow and frustrating this summer.

A big-money move for Isak, which has a suggested fee of around £150m, would give Newcastle the freedom to make some premium additions.

However, any departure will need to be made in a timely manner.

” There is an acceptance Newcastle need to become better at selling players, “admitted Raisbeck.

Former sporting director Paul Mitchell made an allusion to this last year when he said their transfer plan prior to his arrival was “not fit for purpose.”

For the first time since the club’s takeover in October 2021, a notable player has come to the club.

“Many fans are worried about the impact on the dressing room and fear others will see a move away from St James ‘ Park as the best thing for their careers.

The ownership has spent hundreds of millions of dollars on Newcastle over the past four years, and the message is that they will continue to support the club.

If they sell, the Isak money will strengthen their PSR position and, hopefully, give their squad more depth and quality, something they have been doing really poorly in this transfer window.

Supporter and True Faith podcaster Charlotte Robson added: “Make no mistake: losing Isak without a replacement ready would be catastrophic for Newcastle United.

Should Newcastle resist a sale, they would retain a player who is arguably one of the world’s best strikers.

Supporter Morris told BBC Radio Newcastle, “I think he might [start the season at Newcastle], but I don’t think he will play.”

However, Eddie Howe would still give it his all if he was given the opportunity.

“He scores all sorts of goals, he is the best striker we’ve had since Alan Shearer”.

Former Newcastle defender John Anderson remarked, “I love watching him.”

He “frightens the life out of defenders” and “he is a top player who scores goals and creates goals.”

Stay or go, the saga of Isak’s future has undoubtedly hampered Newcastle’s preparations for the new campaign.

Whatever happens, the club won’t have to endure a difficult season, though.

Raisbeck continued, “It has definitely been a difficult few months.”

“But, they were in a difficult place 12 months ago with PSR pressures, changes at executive level, and speculation about the manager’s future. The club’s most successful season came soon afterward.

A move to Liverpool, the Premier League champions, seems to be the most likely option if he leaves.

The Reds are investing heavily as they look to push on next season, and see Isak as the man to lead their frontline.

However, Liverpool fans seem divided.

Let’s be honest, Callum, a supporter, said, “This is just us being greedy.”

” He would be a great addition to the squad – any team would happily take him – but we just have so much threat in the attack that we simply don’t need him to the point of spending more than £100m. “

Michael, a fellow fan, thinks the team has other priorities.

He continued, “It’s getting ridiculous this.” If there are funds to spend get a centre-back – that’s the cover we need. There is no need for another forward. Just because there is money, it doesn’t mean we have to spend it.

But fellow Liverpool fan Simon said:” If Isak is available and Liverpool can afford him, then go for it.

“This will bring Liverpool to the same level that Manchester City have enjoyed recently.”