Alexander Isak is refusing to play for Newcastle United ever again, even if they choose not to sell him to Liverpool, according to a report.
David Ornstein reports for The Athletic that Alexander Isak is adamant he will never represent Newcastle United again. Even if the club refuse to sell this summer, the striker has no desire to reintegrate into the squad.
Isak’s camp claim they made it clear last summer that 2024/25 would be his last season with the club, though Ornstein adds that Newcastle sources deny this.
There’s no suggestion in the article that Newcastle ever agreed to Isak’s demand, only that he may have informed them of his desire to leave last summer, and that he definitely told Eddie Howe of that wish on two occasions in May of this year.
This would be the player’s second strike, having also gone on a training strike during pre-season.
Recent reports suggested that Newcastle United’s owners have insisted he won’t be allowed to move this summer, telling the player as much.
Luke Edwards reported for The Telegraph that Liverpool were made aware of Newcastle’s refusal to consider a sale when they made their £110m bid last week, which is why they subsequently indicated they won’t bid again until that stance changes.
Sources told The Telegraph that it’s extremely unlikely Newcastle change their stance even if they sign another striker this month. The decision to keep Isak has universal backing at boardroom level.
Yet when a player so openly refuses to play for the club, these situations usually result in a transfer.
Arsenal reportedly had Isak as their dream target for the summer window, but the Gunners decided to move on to other options amid claims that Isak wasn’t for sale.
The validity of those reports has certainly been tested in recent weeks, and perhaps there have been times when Arsenal might have felt they gave up on the transfer too soon. Especially if Premier League rivals Liverpool end up doing a deal.
It’s worth noting that Arsenal face Liverpool at Anfield on August 31st, so even if the situation changes and Arne Slot eventually gets his man, Gunners fans will hope it isn’t until after that game.
If Isak stays and refuses to play, Arsenal will travel to St. James’ Park to face Newcastle without him on Sunday, September 28th.