Newcastle boss Howe opens up about deterioration of relationship with Isak

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has admitted that his once strong relationship with Alexander Isak deteriorated in the weeks leading up to the Swedish striker’s record-breaking move to Liverpool. Isak sealed a £125 million transfer to Anfield on deadline day, making him the most expensive player in British football history. However, Howe revealed that tensions surfaced after Isak went on strike to force through the move.

The 25-year-old had been a crucial figure for Newcastle since joining from Real Sociedad, scoring key goals that helped the club win their first trophy in over half a century and secure Champions League qualification. Despite this success, Isak refused to join the club’s pre-season tour of Singapore and South Korea, citing a minor injury. Instead, he trained away from the squad, further straining relations with Howe and his staff.

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Speaking to reporters, Howe said their communication broke down once Isak withdrew from team activities. While the manager acknowledged the striker’s impact on Newcastle’s success, he admitted their connection was never the same after that point. Newcastle have since turned to new recruits Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa as replacements, although the club is still searching for their first Premier League win of the season.

Eddie Howe described his working relationship with Alexander Isak as mutually beneficial, highlighting how both player and club thrived during their time together. However, the Newcastle boss conceded that the trust between them collapsed when Isak refused to train, effectively ruling himself out of the first three Premier League games of the campaign. Howe stopped short of detailing the full breakdown but admitted that “communication became difficult” once the striker went on strike.

Isak’s departure forced Newcastle into the transfer market. The Magpies signed 22-year-old German striker Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart and DR Congo forward Yoane Wissa from Brentford to fill the void. Woltemade could make his debut this weekend against Wolves, with Newcastle under pressure to secure their first league win of the season.

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Wissa, however, is unavailable after sustaining a knee injury during international duty. Howe confirmed the forward is struggling with the effects of the knock and may also miss Newcastle’s Champions League opener against Barcelona next week. The club now faces a crucial period, balancing the loss of their star striker with the need to quickly integrate new signings. Howe stressed that the team must regroup and move forward despite the setback of losing Isak.