Alexander Isak arrived alone at Newcastle United’s Benton training ground on Wednesday afternoon — hours after his teammates had left and missed a scheduled family event arranged by head coach Edd...
Alexander Isak arrived alone at Newcastle United’s Benton training ground on Wednesday afternoon — hours after his teammates had left and missed a scheduled family event arranged by head coach Eddie Howe.
In a short clip posted by NewcastleWorld journalist Jordan Cronin on social media, the Sweden international was seen entering the facility with his hood up, avoiding eye contact, and flanked by no staff or club representatives. The footage, only 14 seconds long, has sparked fierce debate online, with many fans interpreting the moment as symbolic of an increasingly strained situation between player and club.
🚨 Alexander Isak arrives at NUFC’s training ground as his teammates leave. pic.twitter.com/eQmXpzNP3u
— Jordan Cronin (@jordancronin_) August 6, 2025
The striker, who has been the subject of heavy interest from Premier League champions Liverpool, did not train with his teammates earlier in the day and has now missed several key pre-season sessions amid what Newcastle continue to describe as a "minor thigh injury."
However, NewcastleWorld reports that Isak has informed the club of his desire to leave and join Liverpool, who had a £110 million bid rejected last Friday. Newcastle, for now, are refusing to sanction any move unless a suitable replacement is secured — a task that became more difficult after top target Benjamin Šeško opted to join Manchester United instead.
A Growing Rift
Isak’s isolated arrival stands in stark contrast to the rest of the squad, who took part in a family day planned by Howe following the club’s return from their pre-season tour of South Korea. The mood around the club had been intended to be celebratory — a regrouping of staff, players, and families — but Isak's absence from the communal aspect of the day only fuelled concerns about his future.
One source told NewcastleWorld that Howe was unaware of Isak’s recent solo training trip to Real Sociedad until after the fact, and the manager has since made it clear the 25-year-old must “earn the right” to be reintegrated with the squad.
“You have to earn the right to train with us,” Howe told Mail Sport on Sunday. “We are Newcastle United. The player has a responsibility here to be part of a team and part of a squad — you have to act in the right way.”
Fan Reaction: Frustration and Divided Loyalty
Online reaction to Isak’s solo arrival has been intense and, at times, abusive. Some Newcastle fans accused the forward of lacking loyalty, calling him a “coward” for wearing his hood up. Others placed blame on his agent or on Liverpool for “unsettling” the player during pre-season. Liverpool fans, meanwhile, rallied behind the Swede with repeated calls to “Free Isak.”
One post read: “Look what Liverpool has caused... unsettled the player.” Another said simply: “He wants to play with the champions of England.”
A small number of Newcastle supporters showed sympathy for Isak, suggesting that the club should let him leave rather than force a player to stay against his will. But the general mood on Tyneside appears to be one of betrayal.
What Happens Next?
Despite suggestions that Liverpool had “walked away” from the deal, sources indicate that the Reds remain interested and could return with a second offer once Newcastle identify a replacement. Any new bid would likely need to approach the £150 million mark to even tempt the Magpies to the table.
Newcastle, meanwhile, are under no financial pressure to sell. They remain well-positioned under the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR), and Isak still has three years remaining on his contract.
As things stand, the saga appears far from over. Whether Isak is reintegrated into the squad or continues to train alone remains to be seen — but on the evidence of Wednesday afternoon, the distance between player and club is growing.
📸 George Wood - 2025 Getty Images
Category: General Sports
