Talks between Alexander Isak and the Newcastle board have failed to reach a breakthrough and the Sweden international is still eager to quit St James’ Park, according to reports in the north east.
Newcastle directors Jamie Reuben and Jacobo Solis met Isak at the player’s home yesterday in a bid to break the impasse that threatens to derail the club’s season with the striker training alone after outlining his desire to leave.
Chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan – governer of the Saudi Public Investment Fund and close ally of the country’s ruler Mohamed bin Salman – was also a visible presence during last night’s game with Liverpool, making a very clear show of support for manager Eddie Howe following the 3-2 defeat.
Howe said afterwards he didn’t know if Al-Rumayyan’s appearance was due to the Isak situation but it seems the delegation has failed to convince the player he still has a future on Tyneside.
He said: “I don’t know why he’s here in the sense of if that’s the main reason. He’s here, obviously, to watch the team and support the team and show his presence, which is much-appreciated from my perspective and much-loved by everyone when he’s here and connecting with the players.
“He’s the owner, he’s the most important person in terms of directing which decisions we make, but as I said, I’m not party to any conversations that have happened today, so I’ve got no idea what direction that’s in.”
Isak still has heart set on move to Anfield
The Chronicle newspaper reported this morning that the former Real Sociedad striker still wants to leave with Liverpool his preferred destination.
The transfer window closes in under a week’s time and Newcastle are now in a difficult position – persist in trying to persuade a player to stay even though he has been communicating to the club for some time of his desire to leave or sell and try to replace before September 1.
Much of the blame can be laid at Newcastle’s door in allowing the situation to play out the way it has and they now risk leaving themselves in an unpalatable position, particularly after allowing Callum Wilson to leave and failing to entice a series of targets to the club.
Joao Pedro, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Hugo Ekitike – the scorer of Liverpool’s second goal last night – have all opted to move elsewhere while moves for Wolves’ Jorgen Strand Larsen and Brentford’s Yoane Wissa appear no closer to success.
Newcastle’s current players aren’t helping either. Anthony Gordon, who played as a makeshift number nine last night, is facing a three-game ban after being sent off for an appalling challenge on Virgil van Dijk. Midfielders Sandro Tonali, who damaged a shoulder after needlessly throwing himself to the floor, and Joelinton, who has a groin problem, could also face time on the sidelines.
