Newcastle United forward Alexander Isak has expressed a desire to leave the club and requested not to travel with the squad for their pre-season tour, multiple sources have confirmed to The Athletic.
Isak, who was born in Sweden to Eritrean parents, is said to have opted out of Newcastle’s recent friendly against Celtic and their ongoing tour of Asia, despite the club citing a minor thigh injury as the reason for his absence.
According to sources familiar with the situation, the decision not to travel was the striker’s preference amid uncertainty surrounding his future.
The 25-year-old remains under contract until June 2028, but Newcastle have begun exploring replacement options in the event he departs.
They remain adamant that Isak is not for sale, even as interest from Premier League champions Liverpool persists. The Reds had considered a move in the region of £120 million.
Both clubs were also tracking Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike, who ultimately joined Liverpool in a £69 million deal earlier this week.
Since joining from Real Sociedad in August 2022 for around £60 million, Isak has developed into one of the league’s most lethal forwards.
He netted 27 goals in all competitions last season, with 23 coming in the Premier League—second only to Mohamed Salah’s 29.
He was instrumental in Newcastle’s Carabao Cup triumph last season, scoring in the final to help secure the club’s first domestic trophy in seven decades.
Isak has earned 52 caps for Sweden, scoring 16 goals since his senior debut in 2017.
His potential departure would be a significant blow to Eddie Howe’s side, who have built their recent progress around the striker’s consistency and flair.
