Alexander Isak’s ongoing transfer saga took a dramatic turn on Wednesday as Newcastle United ordered the striker to train separately from the first-team squad and excluded him from a team gathering, deepening tensions between the player and the club.
Manager Eddie Howe, who organised a lunchtime barbecue for players, staff, and their families at the club’s training ground, instructed Isak to stay away and instead report later in the day for solo training.
The move followed growing frustration within the club over the Swedish forward’s recent conduct as he attempts to force a move to Liverpool.
Isak, 25, did not join Newcastle’s pre-season tour of Singapore and South Korea, with the club initially citing a minor thigh strain. However, scans reportedly showed no sign of injury, and instead of staying in Newcastle for treatment, Isak travelled to Spain and trained privately at his former club, Real Sociedad without the club’s consent. Howe confirmed he only learned about the unsanctioned trip through media reports.
Speaking before departing Seoul, Howe made his position clear: “You have to earn the right to train with us. We’re Newcastle United. Players have a responsibility to be part of a team and a squad. No player can expect to act poorly and train with the group. You have to act in the right way.”
READ ALSO: Chelsea Confirm Signing of Dewsbury-Hall from Leicester City
Isak was scheduled to meet with Howe on Wednesday for talks and to undergo a medical check on his thigh. Despite the discussions, he appears unlikely to be reintegrated into the main squad immediately and is not expected to feature in the upcoming Sela Cup matches against Espanyol and Atlético Madrid at St James’ Park.
Newcastle have already rejected a £110 million offer from Liverpool for Isak, but believe the Merseyside club will return with a higher bid once they secure a replacement for Darwin Núñez, who is set to join Al Hilal.
Newcastle’s attempts to line up a successor for Isak have so far been unsuccessful, with top target Benjamin Šeško on his way to Manchester United.
The situation with Isak marks a rare public disciplinary step by Eddie Howe, and it signals that Newcastle are unwilling to be pressured into a deal even with significant interest from one of the Premier League’s top clubs.