In a significant development in the tense Alexander Isak transfer saga, the Swedish striker is set to return to the UK and resume training with Newcastle United, despite his clear and publicly stated desire to leave the club.
This move represents a clear power play from the Newcastle hierarchy. After Isak deliberately missed the club’s pre-season tour of Asia—reportedly training alone at his former club Real Sociedad in an attempt to force a move—the club is now demanding that their wantaway star returns to Tyneside and fulfills his contractual obligations.
This directive comes just days after Newcastle firmly rejected a massive formal offer from Liverpool, which was reported to be in the region of £110-£120 million.
While Liverpool’s interest in the player is understood to be “ongoing,” they are reportedly unwilling to submit a second bid in the face of Newcastle’s resolute “not for sale” stance.
Isak’s return to training does not necessarily mean the transfer is off. Instead, it creates an awkward and tense situation at the club’s training ground. The player has made his dream of a move to Anfield clear, but Newcastle holds all the power in negotiations due to his long-term contract.
This development puts pressure on all parties. It forces Isak to decide whether to continue his protest while physically present with the squad. It also sends a clear message to Liverpool: if they truly want their man, they will have to return with an offer so large that Newcastle simply cannot refuse it.