Eddie Howe has spoken out about the failed transfer of Alexander Isak to Liverpool, revealing the strain it placed on his relationships with former colleagues Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards. The Newcastle manager admitted feeling blindsided by Liverpool's aggressive pursuit of the Swedish striker, which included a threat to hijack Newcastle's move for Hugo Ekitike unless Isak was sold.
Isak, who scored 27 goals in the 2024/25 season, pushed for a move after Newcastle failed to deliver a promised contract extension. He skipped pre-season, threatened to go on strike, and issued a scathing statement claiming his relationship with the club 'could not continue.' Newcastle rejected an initial £110m bid and set a £150m valuation, but eventually sold Isak for a reported £125m after securing a replacement in Nick Woltemade.
Howe's relationship with Hughes and Edwards, dating back to their time together at Portsmouth and Bournemouth, has been damaged. A former colleague described their bond as 'incredibly tight,' but the transfer saga has created friction. Howe called the standoff a 'lose-lose situation' for Newcastle, as the club struggled to reintegrate Isak before his departure.
Liverpool's pursuit was complicated by Newcastle's failure to sign attacking reinforcements, losing out on targets like Joao Pedro and Benjamin Sesko. The Reds ultimately succeeded in signing Isak, who now joins Ekitike on Merseyside after Newcastle's decision to stand firm on the Frenchman backfired.
