Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe has admitted that Alexander Isak’s departure to Liverpool significantly disrupted the club’s plans and reshaped expectations for the current campaign.
Speaking ahead of Newcastle’s visit to Anfield, Howe acknowledged that losing such a pivotal figure so late in the summer window had consequences that were difficult to fully absorb before the season began.
Isak’s high-profile move in August came after a tense period that saw the striker push for a transfer, including refusing to train and spending time away from Tyneside.
The eventual deal, which saw Liverpool commit a substantial fee, forced Newcastle into a rapid reassessment of their attacking structure and long-term strategy. Howe conceded that removing a player of Isak’s calibre inevitably alters the balance of any squad.
The Newcastle manager was full of praise for the Sweden international, stressing that Liverpool’s willingness to pay a premium reflected Isak’s exceptional quality.
Howe described him as a rare talent and a player Newcastle felt fortunate to work with during his time at the club.
His technical ability, movement and goalscoring presence, Howe noted, had been central to Newcastle’s progress in recent seasons.
“You lose a player like Alex…
“And let’s put this right, Liverpool paid the money they did because he’s an outstanding footballer, an unbelievable talent. We were privileged to have him for the years that we had him. We loved working with him.
“He was an outstanding player. When you take that player away from your team, it’s going to change the dynamics, that’s for sure.”
