Alexander Isak to Liverpool transfer news: Eddie Howe slams striker for acting "poorly" in boost for Arne Slot

Newcastle United's Alexander Isak is reportedly subject of interest from Liverpool, and Eddie Howe's comments represent a boost to Arne Slot in his pursuit of the Swede.

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has criticised Alexander Isak for acting poorly amid interest from Liverpool in signing him this summer.

Toon fans might have hoped for improvements to the squad after they qualified for the Champions League last season, but it looks as if they could lose their best player to the Premier League champions.

Liverpool saw a £110m bid for striker Isak swiftly rejected, but the 25-year-old has not taken part in Newcastle's pre-season tour in a move that some have speculated could be an attempt to force through a move to Anfield.

The Magpies are due to return to training in England next week, and some reports have suggested that Isak could join up with his teammates despite the Reds' ongoing interest.

When Howe was asked if the Swede would train with the squad, the Toon boss said he would only be allowed to join once he had earned another chance, telling The Daily Mail: "You have to earn the right to train with us. We are Newcastle United. The player has a responsibility here to be part of a team and part of a squad - you have to act in the right way. So that is also at play here.

"We will make sure that any player does that to earn the right to train with the group. No player can expect to act poorly and train with the group as normal."

Howe's comments will come as a boost to Liverpool boss Arne Slot given it is difficult to see how Isak can reconcile his relationship with Howe.

When could Isak complete his move to Liverpool?

Isak scored 23 goals in the Premier League in 2024-25 - his tally was second only to Mohamed Salah - and Newcastle will need a replacement given he was arguably the best striker in the division.

The Toon are said to be interested in the signature of RB Leipzig Benjamin Sesko, though they are facing fierce competition from Manchester United for the 22-year-old.

Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins is also reportedly on the club's radar, and he could represent a realistic alternative if they are unable to sign the Leipzig attacker.

Once Newcastle have sourced a replacement for Isak, the Reds may finally be able agree a deal with the Magpies, though they will still have to match the Toon's valuation.

Could Isak's lack of training with Newcastle United impact Liverpool?

Isak has been prone to picking up injuries, with the forward missing 39 games since the start of 2022-23, and it should be noted that he has suffered three groin injuries since 2023-24.

Isak's lack of training during pre-season will mean that even if he completes a transfer to Liverpool, he is unlikely to feature in the opening fixtures of the season, as he will otherwise risk picking up muscle issues.

The Reds are set to take on Bournemouth, Newcastle and Arsenal in their first three matches in the league before the September international break, and his absence against Arsenal could prove particularly costly given the Gunners could be their closest title challengers next term.

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