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Alexander Isak previously declared he would reject the opportunity to become Newcastle United's new No. 9 if the honor was presented to him.
This summer, Isak has transformed from being Newcastle's most thrilling and adored striker since Alan Shearer to becoming public enemy No. 1 at St. James' Park. The Sweden international has been eager to secure a move to Liverpool, which has already seen a $149 million offer rebuffed by the Magpies.
Isak, 25, has been working separately from Eddie Howe's main group. It's also believed the former Real Sociedad player has told the club he has no intention of representing them again.
It's a stark contrast from just months ago, when numerous Newcastle supporters were keen to see him inherit Shearer's legendary number. During a guest appearance on the Adopted Geordies podcast in February, Isak was questioned about whether he would contemplate accepting the renowned No. 9 jersey for the Magpies, which is currently vacant after Callum Wilson left as a free agent.
After momentarily pondering his response, the forward, who was confirmed this week as Newcastle's No. 14 for this campaign, disclosed he would likely turn down such an opportunity. Isak said: "I would probably stay as 14 to be honest.
"I know [the No. 9 is iconic]. I think it's a difficult one because I've been successful with 14, and it would probably not be an easy decision. I understand [the desire to wear the No. 9 shirt] but we'll see."
When questioned about his fondness for his current number, he added: "I wouldn't say it's just one player, but 14 is an iconic number. There have been great players who have played with that number. [David] Ginola, Thierry Henry, and I had 14 when I signed for Dortmund as well, so there's some history there."
It's believed Liverpool is not intending to make a second offer for Isak, who Newcastle reportedly value at around $204M. The Merseysiders appear to be adopting a wait-and-see strategy regarding the forward's situation with the club.
The Athletic reports Isak has no intention of re-joining the squad, let alone donning the black and white jersey again. It's also suggested he will stand his ground, even if a move to Anfield isn't agreed by the time the transfer window closes on 1 September.
Howe has also made it clear he won't consider Isak in his plans while the current situation persists. After witnessing his team's 2-2 draw with Espanyol in a friendly last Friday, the former Bournemouth manager stated: "We've had discussions. It's clear at the moment that we can't involve him with the group. I don't know how long that will be for, but that's the latest."
Looking forward to Newcastle's Premier League opener against Aston Villa on Saturday, Howe added: "I'd want Alex to be playing today. I'd want him training tomorrow. We would love the player to be with us.
"Let me make that absolutely clear. There's no part of me that doesn't want that outcome, but I don't see the current situation changing for Aston Villa."
Newcastle's attempts to find a replacement have been unsuccessful. Manchester United recently outmanoeuvred them in securing the signature of Benjamin Sesko, while their efforts to sign Bryan Mbeumo, Liam Delap and Joao Pedro have also fallen short this summer.
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