Alexander Isak 'adamant' his Newcastle career is OVER even if blockbuster Liverpool transfer doesn't go through

Isak hasn't featured at all for Newcastle in pre-season as Liverpool circle with intent, and whispers from inside the camp suggest his absence is no coincidence. According to The Athletic, Isak has made his feelings crystal clear: his Newcastle days are done. Even if the transfer window slams shut without a deal to join Liverpool, the Swede has no desire to take part in Eddie Howe’s plans.

The hardline stance stems from last summer’s conversations over his future. Newcastle informed Isak that no new contract would be offered at the time, citing the need to comply with financial fair play rules. The striker, already tied down until 2028, allegedly took that as a sign to prepare for his exit after a last dance in the 2024-25 campaign. However, Newcastle do not agree with this version of the narrative. Figures inside St James’ Park believe Isak had intended to revisit contract talks once the 2024–25 season ended and claim that there was never a formal declaration that it would be his last campaign.

Isak’s spell in black and white hasn’t been short of highlights. He played a pivotal role in delivering the Carabao Cup to Tyneside and helped propel Newcastle back into the Champions League. Yet, just two weeks before last season’s curtain call, he reportedly told Howe face-to-face that he wanted out. That message was repeated in a phone call before Isak jetted off to Sweden after their Premier League campaign ended with a final-day defeat to Everton, a match many now believe was his quiet farewell.

Liverpool made an opening bid for Isak of £110 million ($148m) at the start of August, only to see it swiftly rebuffed. Their admiration hasn’t cooled, but Newcastle’s resolve remains, at least for now. It has been suggested that a bid approaching £150m ($202m) could tempt the Magpies to cash in, provided they can bring in a suitable replacement before the window shuts. The longer the stalemate drags on, the more intense the pressure will grow on Newcastle’s hierarchy. With a star striker unwilling to play and a suitor waiting in the wings, this saga could reach breaking point before deadline day.