Alexander Isak Left Out of Newcastle Squad Amid Transfer Standoff

Newcastle United will be without striker Alexander Isak this weekend. Manager Eddie Howe confirmed the Swedish forward won’t be playing as tensions about his future continue.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Alexander Isak has not been training with Newcastle‘s first team. He will miss their first Premier League game against Aston Villa. Isak is refusing to train and play as he wants to move to Liverpool. Newcastle rejected Liverpool’s £110 million offer for him earlier this summer, and the club has made it clear that he cannot leave for Liverpool in this window, even though Isak has expressed a desire to depart this summer according to reports. Isak was one of Newcastle’s top scorers last season, tallying 23 goals in the Premier League, which made him a significant transfer target. However, he is now in a standoff with the club. Howe stated before the match that Isak’s situation hasn’t changed, confirming that it’s clear Isak won’t play this weekend.

THE LATEST ON THE TEAM AND PLAYER

Newcastle finished the 2024/25 season in 5th place in the Premier League, aiming to reach the Champions League spots this season as noted in previous updates. Isak was key, scoring 23 goals and getting 5 assists in 35 league matches last season, leading the club’s scoring charts. His performance made him a major transfer target, but with Isak not playing, Howe faces a challenge in finding attacking options. Newcastle intends to start the new season strongly against Aston Villa, who finished 6th last year and level on points with the Magpies.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR ISAK AND NEWCASTLE?

Isak continues to refuse to train or play, and club officials are likely to impose fines if he doesn’t participate in Saturday’s game. With the transfer window open for two more weeks, this window provides Liverpool with potential opportunities if Newcastle can secure a replacement. Howe must find solutions in attack and is likely to try and bring new talent on board after the departure of Callum Wilson and younger talent. Newcastle’s upcoming match against Aston Villa is critical, as a win would help ease fans’ worries amid the ongoing striker situation, which will remain a focal point until the window closes.