Exclusive: Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak injury fear adds to Liverpool transfer speculation

Images of the Swedish international training away from the rest of the squad surfaced today, driving supporters, particularly those of Liverpool, into a frenzy online.

But NewcastleWorld has discovered the real reason Isak was seen separate from the main group at the club’s Benton training facility.

Why did Alexander Isak miss Celtic?
Eddie Howe, who missed the 4-0 loss to Celtic, described the Isak predicament. He stated the player had been practicing but needed to control his minutes, implying transfer speculation had played a role.

He stated, “Alex trained this week and is fine, but we didn’t want to take the risk with him today.

“Alex was with us all the way through Austria, but with all of the suspicion and events going on, I decided to send him home. The last thing Alex wants to do when he’s not playing is sit in the stands. Being subjected to such scrutiny does not seem fair to the player.

“So, if he wasn’t going to play today, which we mutually agreed, he needs a little bit more training time, then it’s best that he’s not here.”

What is happening to Alexander Isak?
NewcastleWorld can tell that Isak underwent a scan this week after experiencing some discomfort in his thigh. The scan appears to have come out clear, but as a precaution, the player was put through his own session, which is standard procedure in these instances.

This was likewise the case for Lewis Hall, who trained apart from the main group. Joelinton, who also missed Sunday, is believed to have participated in full training as the squad prepares to fly to Singapore on Thursday for a weekend friendly against Arsenal.

Eddie Howe on Alexander Isak’s future.
Howe stated: “Yeah, I believe it is tough for me to provide complete insight on any individual. I wouldn’t sit here and do that because football is unpredictable. All I can say is that Alex is pleased in Newcastle.

“He adores his teammates, the coaching staff, and the entire squad. I’ve never had an issue with him other than admiring his talent and watching him express himself. Certainly, I am convinced that he will be here at the start of the season.”

Alexander Isak lays bombshell ultimatum on Newcastle to sign new contract amid Liverpool transfer speculation

Isak has made an enormous demand to stay at the club…

Alexander Isak has placed a clear demand on Newcastle in order to stay with the club despite interest from Liverpool and Al-Hilal.

Last season, Isak became the hottest property in the Premier League, scoring 23 goals and playing a key role in the club’s Carabao Cup success.

The Sweden international has primarily been linked with a move to Liverpool, with Arne Slot apparently seeing the 25-year-old as his ideal summer signing.

However, the Reds have now agreed to pay £79 million for Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike, who is set to replace the Newcastle attacker.

Isak has also piqued the Saudis’ interest, with the striker allegedly agreeing to begin negotiations with Al-Hilal.

Isak’s representative, Gonzalo Gaitan, has spoken out about the matter to Saudi Arabian daily Arriyadiyah, following recent links between the striker and numerous Saudi Pro League teams.

He stated, “We are indeed examining and assessing all options, and we may be close to determining the next move for the player. Without disclosing any information on whether Isak would transfer or stay with Newcastle.”

Alexander Isak presents Newcastle an ultimatum.

With their top player on the verge of leaving, Newcastle will be desperate to ward off interest, and Isak has apparently told the club the exact conditions under which he will stay.

According to talkSPORT, Isak has sought a £300,000 wage to sign a new contract at St James’ Park.

A purchase of that magnitude would absolutely demolish the club’s payroll structure, potentially leading to similar troubles as Manchester United had in recent seasons.

Despite returning to pre-season training, Isak was not there for the club’s 4-0 loss to Celtic on Saturday.

What Eddie Howe said about Alexander Isak

“That was my decision. He came to Glasgow with us, but I chose to send him home owing to the speculation,” Howe told reporters.

“He didn’t want to be sitting in the stands observing; it wasn’t fair to him. But I’m convinced he’ll be a Newcastle player by the conclusion of the window.

“Your top players are extremely difficult to locate, attract, and develop. So, when you have them, you should treasure them. Of course, we are desperate to keep him on our team.”

“Yes, I’ve had discussions with him, but that’s not abnormal,” replied Howe. “I value a player’s career, no matter how brief it is. Alex has been excellent, he has been thoroughly taught, and I am aware that there will be noise surrounding him.”

Newcastle United Can Forget Hugo Ekitike Snub as Randal Kolo Muani Emerges as Shock £34m Alternative to Stun Manchester United

Newcastle United may have been dealt a setback in their pursuit of Hugo Ekitike, but the club could now be on the verge of something even more exciting. With reports suggesting Paris Saint-Germain are ready to offload Randal Kolo Muani in a cut-price deal, Newcastle are now eyeing the explosive forward as a potential game-changer in their summer plans — and in a twist that could also frustrate long-time admirers Manchester United.

The Magpies were previously frustrated in their chase for Ekitike, who chose to head to the French capital instead of Tyneside during an earlier transfer window. However, that rejection might have turned into a blessing in disguise. Ekitike has struggled to find regular minutes in Paris and hasn’t developed in the way many predicted. In contrast, Kolo Muani offers power, pace, versatility — and most importantly — availability.

After a turbulent season at PSG where expectations weighed heavy and goals came sparingly, the French club is now open to parting with the forward. The fact that Newcastle could land a proven international attacker for a reduced fee makes the opportunity too good to ignore. His price tag, reportedly far lower than previous valuations, has put several Premier League clubs on alert.

Manchester United had previously shown strong interest in Kolo Muani, especially during their search for attacking reinforcements last season. However, budget constraints and ongoing squad reshuffling may slow their pursuit this summer. That opens the door for Newcastle to swoop in and make a decisive move before others act.

Eddie Howe has made no secret of his desire to add firepower to his frontline. With Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson both enduring spells of injury, depth has become a priority. Kolo Muani fits the profile: young but experienced, strong but quick, and comfortable playing across multiple forward roles. He can slot in as a central striker or out wide, offering tactical flexibility.

For Newcastle, the timing could not be better. The club is preparing for a season with increased expectations. Whether it’s pushing for a top-four finish or competing in Europe, the need for squad depth and top-tier quality is more pressing than ever. Kolo Muani represents both ambition and value — a rare combination in today’s inflated market.

Despite the quiet transfer start, Newcastle have remained strategic. Instead of rushing into high-profile deals, they’ve monitored situations and waited for the right opportunities. Kolo Muani’s availability could be one such chance. If a deal is struck, it may be viewed as a masterstroke — especially if he settles quickly into Premier League life.

The player himself is reportedly open to a fresh start. After a challenging campaign in Ligue 1, Kolo Muani is said to be eager for more consistent minutes and a clear role under a manager who believes in him. Eddie Howe’s track record of developing players and fostering team chemistry could prove crucial in winning the forward’s trust.

A move to Newcastle also provides a platform with less of the chaos that often surrounds bigger European clubs. The project at St. James’ Park is stable, growing, and fan-driven. That environment might be exactly what Kolo Muani needs to rediscover the form that made him one of Europe’s most talked-about forwards during his Eintracht Frankfurt days.

Fans on Tyneside are already buzzing at the prospect. Social media has erupted with speculation, and some supporters are even suggesting that Kolo Muani could become the club’s best forward signing in years. His mix of flair and directness would bring a new edge to Newcastle’s attack.

From a commercial standpoint, signing a French international would also enhance Newcastle’s appeal on the global stage. The club is looking to strengthen its brand internationally, and high-caliber signings with World Cup experience help elevate the image of the team across European and global markets.

For PSG, offloading Kolo Muani would allow them to free up space for other arrivals. The French giants are in the midst of a rebuild, and selling players who are not central to their plans is part of the strategy. Newcastle could benefit from that internal shift.

As for Manchester United, missing out on Kolo Muani would be another blow in a summer of uncertainty. With their own transfer priorities tied to exits and financial balancing, the Red Devils might not be able to match Newcastle’s decisiveness or appeal in this particular race.

Should Newcastle act quickly, they could secure one of the most intriguing signings of the summer. And with Kolo Muani hungry to prove himself again, the motivation on both sides would be sky-high. For a team looking to make another leap forward, this could be a perfect match.

As negotiations continue, fans will watch closely to see if Newcastle can finalize the move. A fresh face, an elite talent, and a chance to strike before rivals do — this is a moment Newcastle cannot afford to let pass.

While Ekitike is now in the rearview mirror, Kolo Muani could be the future. And if Newcastle do seal the deal, they may not just forget the snub — they might end up with the better player after all.