Eddie Howe foresaw Alexander Isak's potential to excel in the Premier League when he arrived three years ago – and the Swedish striker's achievements have now prompted him to push for a departure from Newcastle.
The forward has made his intentions clear that he envisions his future elsewhere, with Liverpool emerging as the frontrunners to secure his services. The current Premier League title holders saw a $148 million offer turned down for the 25-year-old several weeks back, with no follow-up proposal yet submitted.
Nevertheless, Isak continues to train in isolation and has reportedly pledged never to represent the club again. He ended his silence on the matter earlier this week, launching accusations of "broken promises" against the club's hierarchy in an explosive declaration.
Newcastle hit back with equal force, stating they "do not foresee" any circumstances under which Isak would be sold, with Howe remaining hopeful of reconciling with the striker, reports Chronicle Live.
The Magpies manager brought Isak to St. James' Park in 2022 in what was then a club-record transfer valued at $85M and remained confident the player would thrive in England. At the time, he said: "He has pace, technical ability, dribbling ability.
"He's got a bit of the X-factor about him. Alex is slightly different and I think he's capable of scoring goals. He's technically very good and has a mix of qualities I really like in a forward player.
"For such a young player, he's had a lot of experiences thrown at him, playing for big clubs in Germany [with Borussia Dortmund], the Netherlands [Willem II] and Spain [Real Sociedad].
"The English game will suit his profile. He's a really good athlete with a host of things going for him and his best years are ahead of him. He's a very exciting signing for us."
Having found the back of the net 62 times in 109 appearances for the club, including bagging the decisive goal in the Carabao Cup final in March against Liverpool whilst also propelling the Magpies back into the Champions League, there's little argument he has been a triumph on Tyneside.
Nevertheless, the bond between Isak and the club has soured considerably and may be irreparable, though Howe maintained this week prior to Newcastle's clash with Liverpool on Monday that a solution regarding his future will emerge swiftly.
Addressing reporters in a press conference on Friday, Howe spoke about Isak's circumstances ahead of the transfer window closing on Monday, September 1. The Newcastle manager said: "We love Alex in the sense of what he has done for this football club since he has been here, what he has contributed, what he has given, how professional he's been and this has just been an unfortunate few months that looks like it is coming to an end.
"And it will come to an end pretty quickly and then we can focus on the football again."
Howe is gearing up his team for their first home match of the Premier League season, after last Saturday's goalless draw at Aston Villa. The upcoming encounter with Liverpool promises to be a charged affair under the floodlights.