Swedish striker Alexander Isak’s status at Newcastle United has come under scrutiny after he was reportedly instructed to train away from the main squad.
The 25-year-old, heavily linked with a record-breaking move to Liverpool, has not been involved in Newcastle’s pre-season tours of Asia, citing a minor thigh issue. He instead trained in Spain at Real Sociedad, his former club, before returning to Tyneside.
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Sky Sports reported that Isak was told to train after the rest of the team had completed their session on Wednesday.
“You have to earn the right to train with us. We are Newcastle United,” manager Eddie Howe said earlier in pre-season.
“We will make sure that any player earns the right to train with the group. No player can expect to act poorly and train with the group as normal.”
Liverpool’s £110 million offer was reportedly turned down by Newcastle, who are holding out for closer to £150 million.
The Magpies, however, have faced difficulties in securing a replacement. Attempts to sign Joao Pedro, Hugo Ekitike, and Liam Delap fell through, while Manchester United are now in the race for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.
Liverpool have already invested over £250 million this window, securing Ekitike, Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, and Jeremie Frimpong.
But they’ve also sold high-profile players, including Luis Diaz, Jarell Quansah, Caoimhin Kelleher, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Tyler Morton.
A potential £46 million move for Darwin Nunez to Al Hilal could create financial and squad space for another push for Isak.
Since arriving at Newcastle for £63 million in 2022, Isak has netted 62 goals in 109 matches. His standout moment came with the decisive goal in the League Cup final against Liverpool—Newcastle’s first domestic silverware in seven decades.
