It is not disguised now. The summer strategy of Newcastle United has collapsed.
Their best player, Alexander Isak, refuses to play, and the efforts of Eddie Howe to “keep the door good and really open” have been rejected with rejection. Isak has not submitted an official transfer request, but by becoming public, he has taken the next worst step, with the aim of forcing a move to Liverpool and to force further acidifying relationships prior to Monday's collision between the two clubs.
The hierarchy of Newcastle initially responded by digging in. With the transfer window that closes quickly and is not available for a feasible replacement, they retain that Isak is not for sale: “We do not meet those conditions that are met the conditions.” The problem is not money, but the lack of options in the market. Behind public diplomacy is private frustration – anger about the position of Isak, the influence of his agents and the chase of Liverpool. Howe has consistently avoided personal criticism, aware of the delicate balance: discipline must be maintained, but the burning of bridges with a player of Isak's quality would be reckless. For the time being, Isak is training separately, although a padback remains open.
The situation reflects that from Yoane Wissa in Brentford, a long -term objective in Newcastle that is also at odds with his club. In football, moral high soil is difficult to claim. Liverpool, who has already rejected an range of £ 110 million, is expected to return with more, but Newcastle remains challenging. They refute the claims of Isak about broken promises and emphasized that no official has guaranteed an exit this summer. Even if he believes otherwise, the way he has dealt with the situation refuses to play public statements and to release fans to make it angry, teammates not respected and not to show little respect for how.
When Isak came to Real Sociedad for £ 63 million in 2022, he was seen as talented but inconsistent, after struggling in Borussia Dortmund. In Newcastle, he became one of Europe's most feared attackers under the leadership of Howe. The club and supporters embraced him and even devoted a huge representation of WOR flags in November in honor of him. That band is now in doors. Fans of Newcastle, long used to losing stars such as Paul Gascoigne and Andy Carroll, perhaps understood that Isak had quietly expressed his wish for a new challenge in May. Instead, his confrontational approach has endangered confidence and damaged the collective mind that the club is proud of.
The principle is clear to Newcastle: a long -term contract is a promise to play and represent the club. Isak's recent behavior undermines that trust and isolates him from fans and teammates who once worshiped him. Howe's intention to integrate him again; By giving priority to his own ambitions, Isak has made it almost impossible. Because Newcastle is still satisfactory that he will not be sold, he threatens without transfer, no sympathy and no place to belong – only in a team that he no longer wants to serve.