Sky Sports: Alexander Isak to Return to Newcastle United Training Amid Liverpool Interest | OneFootball

Alexander Isak Training in Spain as Liverpool Interest Sparks Exit Talk

Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak is currently training away from the squad in Spain’s Basque region, with Sky Sports News reporter Keith Downie confirming that he is working with Real Sociedad to regain full fitness. Isak’s absence from the Magpies’ pre-season tour in South Korea has drawn attention, especially amid speculation about a potential move away from St James’ Park.

“Isak is training over in the Basque region with Real Sociedad trying to get himself back into a proper fitness to be able to play games,” Downie explained. “And probably just to take himself away from Newcastle United right now.”

With the rest of the squad, coaching staff and medical team abroad, the timing and location of Isak’s training have prompted questions from supporters. Though Newcastle attributed his absence to a minor thigh injury, the situation became more complex after it emerged that Isak has asked to explore his options following an informal approach from Liverpool.

Liverpool Interest and Transfer Tension

As reported by Sky Sports, Isak expressed his desire to consider other clubs after Liverpool’s initial inquiry. This informal contact appears to have had a significant influence on the Swede’s current mindset.

“It just kind of painted a picture that his head has been turned due to the interest from Liverpool,” Downie observed. He also highlighted that Isak is working with his own fitness professionals, a setup manager Eddie Howe has publicly supported in the past.

Photo: IMAGO

Newcastle fans, however, may find little comfort in such reassurances. While Howe is said to be “comfortable” with Isak’s external team, the optics of him training at a former club while his teammates compete abroad are not ideal.

No Bid Yet, But Replacement Plans in Motion

Despite the noise, Liverpool have yet to make a formal offer for Isak. Nevertheless, Newcastle are already making contingency plans in the event their number nine departs.

Downie revealed, “Newcastle are trying to get a replacement if Isak was to go. Benjamin Sesko is a player they are very keen on.”

Sesko, the Slovenian international currently with RB Leipzig, would represent a bold and ambitious move, but it also underlines the growing uncertainty around Isak’s future in black and white.

Next Week Could Prove Pivotal

Newcastle return from their Far East tour on Monday, and Isak is expected to be back in the North East shortly after. It is anticipated that talks will take place between the player, Eddie Howe and senior staff to determine the path forward.

“I do expect Isak back here in the North East next week when Newcastle return from South Korea,” Downie said. “And then I guess he’s going to have discussions with Howe, senior members of the staff here to decide what the next steps are.”

Until then, it’s a waiting game — and a tense one — for Newcastle United supporters.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

As a Newcastle United supporter, it’s hard not to feel deeply frustrated by the current Isak situation. While players having personal fitness teams is nothing new in modern football, training at Real Sociedad, a former club, while your teammates are halfway across the world preparing for the new season, just doesn’t sit right.

The timing of his supposed “minor thigh injury” looks suspicious in hindsight, especially with the revelation that he asked to explore a move just after Liverpool came sniffing. You can’t blame fans for feeling let down. This club has bent over backwards for Isak, made him the centrepiece of our attack and developed him under Eddie Howe’s system. And now that Liverpool wave a vague promise of Champions League football, suddenly he wants out?

Newcastle aren’t a stepping stone. We’re building something real here and supporters expect loyalty from the players we invest in, especially one with a contract running until 2028. If he wants to leave, fine — but don’t dress it up as fitness recovery abroad. Be honest, be professional, and let the club get on with finding someone who wants to be here. The badge deserves better.