Alexander Isak 'vows to never play for Newcastle again' as transfer turns sour

Newcastle striker Alexander Isak reportedly regards his Magpies career as finished and has no intention to represent the club again. The Sweden international has lit up the Premier League since joining Newcastle three years ago but has been heavily linked with a transfer to Liverpool this summer after telling chiefs he wants to explore a move.

Isak left Real Sociedad to sign for Newcastle in 2022 and has gone on to bag 54 goals in 86 Premier League appearances. He was the second top scorer in the top flight last season and also found the back of the net in Newcastle's Carabao Cup final victory over Liverpool. But he was left out of Newcastle's squad for their pre-season tour to Asia due to a "minor thigh injury" and is now training away from his team-mates in England.

Isak still has another three years remaining on his contract at St James' Park after originally penning a six-year deal with the north east giants.

But, according to The Athletic, the 25-year-old has no desire to reintegrate into the Magpies squad and is adamant he will never play for Newcastle again.

Isak's perspective is that he informed his employers last summer that the 2024/25 season would be his last campaign at St James' Park. But some people at Newcastle deny those sentiments were expressed by the player.

The report goes on to explain that Isak told Newcastle boss Eddie Howe of his wish to leave the club two weeks before the end of last season and reiterated his desires on a call with the Englishman after his side had lost to Everton on the final day of the campaign.

Isak has failed to feature in any pre-season matches this summer, with Anthony Gordon leading the line during Newcastle's final friendly ahead of the new season as Howe's side were beaten 2-0 by Atletico Madrid on Saturday.

The Magpies were involved in a transfer battle with Manchester United to capture Benjamin Sesko earlier this summer, but missed out of the player's signature as he opted to move to Old Trafford.

And Newcastle may be short of options up front when they travel to Aston Villa on Saturday for their Premier League opener, with Callum Wilson already leaving the club this summer.

Howe was quizzed about the situation with Isak following the clash with Atletico.

And the former Bournemouth manager explained: "He's contracted to us. He's our player. The club make the decision on his future.

"I don't know what that will be. Of course, I have a preferred outcome. I want the best and strongest squad possible, but also I want players that really want to play for this club."