Newcastle United forward Alexander Isak has been ordered to train separately from his teammates by manager Eddie Howe, as uncertainty around his future intensifies amid strong interest from Liverpool.
Isak, who was born in Sweden to Eritrean parents, is at the centre of a high-stakes transfer battle, with Liverpool having had a £110 million plus add-ons bid rejected.
The Magpies were only willing to consider his departure if they secured RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Šeško, but that plan collapsed this week as the Slovenian opted to join Manchester United instead.
Isak has been a standout performer since joining Newcastle from Real Sociedad in 2022, scoring 62 goals in 109 appearances.
However, tensions have escalated behind the scenes, with journalist Ben Jacobs reporting that Howe has now forced the 25-year-old to train alone and at different times from the main squad—a decision seen as a clear disciplinary stance.
“Alexander Isak told to train alone in a move driven by Eddie Howe… Howe backing up words with actions… Isak still pushing to leave… Acceptance within #NUFC, he has to go or extend with no middle ground,” Jacobs noted on social media.
Liverpool’s summer signing of Hugo Ekitike, who can also operate as a central striker, complicates matters slightly, and manager Arne Slot may choose to explore other options.
However, with Darwin Núñez reportedly nearing a move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, the Reds could be forced back to the table to negotiate a higher offer for Isak.
Newcastle remain firm in their £150 million valuation and are unwilling to sell unless adequately reinforced.
The impasse leaves Isak in limbo, training away from his teammates while Liverpool weigh their options ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League season.
