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Alexander Isak is reportedly on strike as he looks to force a summer transfer to Liverpool, and Newcastle United is weighing up a fresh scenario before the new Premier League season starts.
Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe is keeping Isak away from the rest of the squad due to his conduct, and recently admitted that the transfer saga hasn't been healthy for the club. Liverpool bid $148 million for Isak earlier this summer and is waiting to see if Newcastle will entertain a sale before submitting a new offer.
While Newcastle does not wish to sell its prized asset, who is contracted through 2028, Isak has made it clear that he doesn't want to play for the club again. According to the Daily Mail, Newcastle may be forced to play Anthony Gordon at center-forward until January, and Isak may be sold if Yoane Wissa joins the club from Brentford.
Isak is one of the best strikers in the world, and Newcastle is under no contractual pressure to sell. However, his conduct means that he is a depreciating asset, and while Newcastle has the wealthiest owners in the Premier League, maximum value is essential when considering profit and sustainability rules.
However, Newcastle needs to sign a replacement before selling Isak, and Howe is keen to add two strikers to the roster. Newcastle released veteran forward Callum Wilson this summer and has struggled to sign a center-forward after missing out on Hugo Ekitike, Liam Delap, and Benjamin Sesko.
Newcastle must sign at least one striker before allowing Isak to leave, and Wissa is the priority. Howe plans to play Wissa and Gordon in the attack and integrate new signing, Anthony Elanga.
Newcastle has also reached an agreement with Aston Villa for attacking midfielder Jacob Ramsey, and the club will now focus on a deal for Wissa. Brentford manager Keith Andrews has confirmed that Wissa will miss the season opener against Nottingham Forest on Sunday due to transfer interest.
Brentford is demanding $54 million for the 28-year-old, who scored 19 Premier League goals last season. Discussions are ongoing, but Howe is keen to lift the mood at Newcastle following Isak's removal.
"I don't think it's been healthy for us," Howe said to the BBC. "I don't deny that's been a big challenge. Alex, for me, is one of the best strikers in the world - if not the best. To miss him from your squad leaves a huge gap."
"I think morale was certainly affected early on during pre-season," he added. "There was nothing I could do to affect that - it was always going to be there.
"When you have a player that good who is not part of your group, it's difficult for the players to fully understand it and to know what's going on and how to react. But, as time has gone on, there has been an acceptance this is the squad and we have got to make the best of the situation.
"That's always been my train of thought. Whatever situation you're in, you have got to find a way, and you can only control what you can control. We have moved forward, and I've got to say the atmosphere of the group has been very good in the last couple of weeks."
Howe also said he was happy with the squad, but admitted that there was room for improvement. "I'm still hoping for more (signings). I think we need more. We have got some big gaps within the squad still."
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