What do Newcastle’s teammates think of his actions?
While Anthony Gordon and Dan Burn emphasized "team spirit" and "unity" in interviews after the match against Aston Villa, reactions are divided, and this appears to be their coordinated message.
Newcastle fans were quick to criticize captain Bruno Guimarães, who posted a textless photo of himself in the club’s black-and-white jersey on social media just minutes after Isak’s statement was released, though his intentions remain unclear.
It is said that some of his teammates are disappointed by Isak’s actions, while others are sympathetic, echoing Howe’s sentiment.
Howe stated earlier in the summer that he understands players have short careers and their own ambitions. Everyone knows clubs can be ruthless when it comes to moving players on, and although others in the team have contemplated leaving, they did not act on it.
Isak is particularly close to Sven Botman and Joe Willock, and in his Tuesday statement, he thanked his colleagues and "everyone at Newcastle". Those who know him often describe him as "complex" in character, yet he has a dry sense of humor and hosted celebrations after Newcastle’s League Cup final victory in March.
Isak mentioned "commitments" made to him in his statement. What was he referring to?
Some speculation is needed here, as Isak did not disclose specifics, and Newcastle later insisted that "club officials never promised" he could leave the club this summer.
However, it is believed Isak was referring to hints in 2024 about potential upcoming negotiations for a new, improved contract. Isak’s confidants argue that commitments were made, but after changes in Newcastle’s hierarchy, the club vowed to ensure it would never again fall foul of Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), and thus the commitment was broken.
Some view Isak’s Tuesday comments as a dig at Howe, given he has been the only one to speak publicly this summer, and the forward referenced his own silence amid "allowing people to spread their version of events".
Equally, this could refer to the broader media narrative from other Newcastle-linked figures.
Isak’s camp insists he will still refuse to play. This seems remarkable given the upcoming Champions League group stage next month and next summer’s World Cup, but even if he eventually backs down, the path to reconciliation for Newcastle could be fraught.
This season’s first international break starts on the same day the summer transfer window closes, so theoretically, mediation between the two parties could occur. Despite not featuring for the club, Isak may be called up for Sweden’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Slovenia and Kosovo.
Will Liverpool make another bid?
Earlier this month, Newcastle quickly rejected a £110 million offer, leaving Liverpool feeling that submitting a higher bid would be futile.
However, Liverpool has not pursued other targets in the nearly three weeks since and remains eager to secure Isak if Newcastle changes its stance.
They have the funds to break the British transfer record to sign Isak. This summer, they have embarked on a club-record spending spree, with new signings totaling around £320 million including add-ons, while also generating up to £220 million from player sales.
How will this statement impact relations between the two clubs ahead of Monday’s match?
From Newcastle’s perspective, Isak’s statement will only further escalate tensions.
Their supporters have been critical of what many perceive to be Liverpool’s covert backing of Isak’s stance. The feeling is that this is a deliberate attempt to force through a transfer at a fee substantially lower than
Newcastle’s valuation — a view shared by some figures at the Tyneside club.
From Liverpool’s standpoint, Isak’s statement and his alleged "broken commitments" are a matter between him and Newcastle.
Earlier this summer, reports that Newcastle had hijacked Randal Kolo Muani left them puzzled. Liverpool’s hierarchy had been in contact with the Frenchman’s team since January, with Arne Slot holding talks with him in May. They believe Newcastle were simply late to the party.
The two clubs also competed for defender Giovanni Leonardi, who joined Liverpool from Parma last week.
Michael Edwards, football CEO of US-based Fenway Sports Group (FSG) which owns the Premier League champions, the group’s sports director Richard Hughes, and Newcastle manager Howe have been friends since their time at Portsmouth over 20 years ago, but business is business.
Meanwhile, on the pitch, at least from Newcastle’s side, a "minor" rivalry has emerged following their League Cup win over Liverpool in March. Howe is yet to beat Liverpool in the Premier League and is eager to change that.
