Alexander Isak was nowhere to be seen during the first Premier League match of Newcastle of the season at the weekend, with the distance between Star Player and Club Continuing
Newcastle could be confronted with a transfer refund after the Alexander Isak Saga.
The Toon Army is desperate to bring in replacements with Goncalo Ramos of Paris Saint-Germain on their desired list for a new NO9. That would enable Newcastle to cash in on Wil-Away Spits Isak with Liverpool who pushes to land the Sweden International.
But there are fears among top agents that when Newcastle digs up and playing hardball about Isak, it is a worrying precedent for future goals. Topstanders always want to know that if they thrive and success, they can make the next step to a larger club.
Isak has made it clear that he wants to leave Newcastle, the fans have turned on him and it now seems to be an ugly distance. That could put down a bad marker for future goals, because if they see Newcastle blocking potential progress, it would be a red flag for some big-to-go strikers.
Newcastle has already missed Benjamin Sesko, Joao Pedro and Hugo Ekitike, who went to Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool respectively.
Ramos, 24, is not a regular starter at PSG under Luis Enrique and Newcastle tried – and failed – to get him in the window earlier, but were warned. Portugal -striker Ramos seemed to bind his future to PSG last week, but Newcastle is still hunting – and yet big names will probably want guarantees.
Newcastle is in the Champions League, have difficulty attracting big names this summer and the Isak factor could play a role. While no one expects Newcastle to roll and sell their best players, they play hardball about Isak after Liverpool had rejected an range of £ 120 million.
Isak has claimed that he had an agreement to let him leave this summer – but the club is holding. Liverpool will probably only return if Newcastle finds replacements and is willing to increase their price.
But Isak was omitted on Saturday from the Newcastle opening fixture in Aston Villa and manager Eddie Howe is confronted with a pointed crisis.
Newcastle is also in the mix for Brentford Winger Yoane Wissa to stimulate their attacking options. But Brentford holds for £ 60 million-plus and Newcastle has nowhere to reach the price. Brentford does not want to sell, despite the fact that Wissa is not involved for their defeat in Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
Speaking after their 0-0 draw with Aston Villa on Saturday, Eddie Howe said: “Nothing has changed. The door is good and really open. He has to decide what he wants to do. We want a resolution. We need that clarity. You don't need any form of distraction.
“I have no control over that. There is one person who can control that. Let's wait. I made my attitude clear. I concentrate on the team.”