The Alexander Isak Departure That Shook Newcastle United
The summer transfer window of 2025 created a seismic shift at St James' Park that continues to reverberate through the 2026 season. Alexander Isak's contentious move to Liverpool has proven far more damaging than a simple player departure, creating a snowball effect that has left manager Eddie Howe fighting for his project's survival.
A Season Unraveling After Historic Success
Newcastle United's Carabao Cup defense ended at Manchester City, while their FA Cup journey concluded in dramatically different circumstances. These cup exits followed the historic 2025 triumph that delivered Newcastle's first major silverware since 1969 and first domestic trophy since 1955. That victory was meant to be a stepping stone toward ambitious goals, including chief executive David Hopkinson's vision of making Newcastle the world's top club by 2030.
Yet by February 2026, Newcastle find themselves fighting on multiple fronts with diminishing returns. An FA Cup tie at Aston Villa threatens further elimination, while a Champions League journey to Qarabag in Azerbaijan presents logistical challenges. Their next visit to the Etihad Stadium looms ominously, with Manchester City having outscored Newcastle 40-2 in their last twelve encounters at that venue.
The Isak Exit: A Transfer That Backfired
If Newcastle's current struggles can be traced to a single source, Alexander Isak's departure stands as the primary catalyst rather than Eddie Howe's management. The striker's botched exit created a perfect storm of problems that Newcastle continue to navigate.
The club's attempt at defiance in holding out for an additional £15 million ultimately backfired spectacularly. With hindsight, accepting Liverpool's £110 million bid earlier in the window would have provided crucial time to secure adequate replacements. Instead, Newcastle found themselves scrambling on deadline day, discovering their diminished position in the football hierarchy as multiple forward targets rejected moves to Tyneside.
The panic that ensued saw Newcastle spend the Isak fee on Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa, two strikers who currently appear difficult to sell for even half their purchase prices. This transfer misstep has left Howe with attacking options that fail to replicate Isak's clinical finishing and devastating pace on counterattacks.
Howe's Record Deserves Patience and Perspective
Despite current difficulties, Eddie Howe's achievements at Newcastle warrant significant consideration. Qualifying twice for the Champions League and delivering that historic trophy represent accomplishments that eluded legendary managers like Sir Bobby Robson and Kevin Keegan. These successes should afford Howe considerable leeway during challenging periods.
Howe's transfer record also offers grounds for optimism. While recent signings like Wissa, Woltemade, Aaron Ramsdale, Jacob Ramsey, and Anthony Elanga have yet to fully convince, Howe has demonstrated an ability to develop players over time. Lewis Hall, Anthony Gordon, and Sandro Tonali all required adaptation periods before becoming integral to the squad.
The manager's longevity at both Bournemouth and Newcastle stems from his proven ability to navigate clubs through difficult periods responsibly. With Newcastle currently overstretched by injuries, including Gordon's recent hamstring problem, and facing four away games in their next five fixtures, the situation may deteriorate before improving.
Structural Issues Beyond Managerial Control
Newcastle's summer spending of £256 million occurred without a sporting director in place, contributing to recruitment challenges that extend beyond Howe's influence. The club's ongoing struggle to establish itself as a premier destination was further highlighted when Italian agents began working to extract Sandro Tonali from Tyneside, mirroring the Isak situation.
These structural issues would persist regardless of who occupied the managerial position. Howe's public backing from employers, including Hopkinson's pre-match declaration that "Eddie's our manager and he's an extraordinary manager," combined with continued fan support at the Etihad Stadium, suggests the manager retains crucial constituencies of trust.
The lesson from Howe's career trajectory, particularly his time on Tyneside, indicates that improvement typically follows difficult periods. While the Isak departure created lasting damage through its timing and botched succession planning, Newcastle's long-term prospects remain tied to the manager who delivered their most significant modern achievements.
