Newcastle United

Alan Shearer
Former England striker

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I am not angry about the way Alexander Isak has behaved, because I know how football works. I'm disappointed and surprised that this is happening now, but I have been in the game long enough to understand why we have got to this point.

It seems obvious that Liverpool have got into him, or his agent, to turn his head and make him want to go there. From a players' perspective, rather than a fan, I get the mentality where he has made his mind up about what is best for his future too.

But it is the club that matters most here and, whatever happens next, the crux of the matter is that Newcastle United are far bigger than any one individual - always has been, and always will be.

Players move on all the time, and do what they have to do, but the club is always there. That's the one constant, every season.

So, Newcastle have to look after themselves, which means that if they are contemplating letting Isak go for whatever price they want for him, then they also need to get two strikers they want in before they can do that.

If they are available, Brentford's Yoane Wissa and Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins are proven Premier League strikers and probably the best-case scenario from Newcastle's point of view.

At the same time, I appreciate fans of those clubs will not like their centre-forwards being linked with moves away, the same way Newcastle supporters feel right now.

Wissa's situation, in particular, sounds very similar to Isak's. It just shows you that this is something that happens in football all the time, and of course it is frustrating when you are on the wrong end of it.

Jordan Butler
BBC Sport journalist

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It is no secret that Eddie Howe has been attempting to lower the average age of his squad and the acquisitions of Anthony Elanga, 23, and Malick Thiaw, 24, have done just that.

Aston Villa's versatile 24-year-old midfielder Jacob Ramsey would represent a smart piece of business from a Newcastle perspective.

Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton and Sandro Tonali are a settled midfield trio but no strangers to injury and suspension and the demands of Champions League football will provide opportunities to play. Lewis Miley, 19, is the club's only other fit senior midfielder as Sean Longstaff has joined Leeds United and Joe Willock is currently injured.

Ramsey would provide necessary depth and could well be Joelinton's successor on the left of Howe's three-man nucleus. He possesses the dynamism, attacking instinct and quality to make a similar impact if he can stay free of injury.

The former England under-21 international's progress has stalled at Villa and persistent foot issues limited him to just 10 starts in all competitions in 2023-24. Then last season, he registered one goal and five assists in 29 Premier League appearances with Marcus Rashford's January arrival further marginalising him.

However, Ramsey's goal in the FA Cup quarter-final victory over Preston North End in late March epitomised everything Howe admires in his game – a sharp turn, strength to hold off a defender, a driving run and a powerful finish from the edge of the box.

Ramsey could well feature at Villa Park on Saturday, but will he continue to wear the claret and blue of his boyhood club or could he don the famous black and white stripes for the first time?

BBC Sport's chief football writer Phil McNulty has offered up his annual predictions:

6) Newcastle United

Last season: Fifth

It's been a thoroughly miserable summer on Tyneside after the elation of winning the Carabao Cup - a first domestic trophy since 1955 - then securing Champions League qualification on the last day of the season.

The list of potential transfer targets that have ended up elsewhere has been long and embarrassing, with the final insult the toxic stand-off with their brilliant striker, match-winner and main goalscorer Alexander Isak, who has set his heart on a move to Liverpool.

So why such an optimistic prediction given this evidence?

Simply because manager Eddie Howe engineered last season's success superbly after a summer of turbulence behind the scenes.

Newcastle have a fine side when everyone is fit.

It seems impossible, at this stage, that fences can be mended with Isak, but new ones can be built with the arrival of Germany defender Malick Thiaw from AC Milan and a move for Aston Villa's Jacob Ramsey.

The signing of Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest at least ended the hunt for a right-sided attacker, while Brentford's Yoane Wissa, unlike so many others, seems keen on a move to Tyneside.

Read the full piece

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If Malick Thiaw can be "a bit more no-nonsense" then the "sky is the limit" for the Newcastle defender, says Italian football journalist Alessandro Schiavone.

Earlier this week, the centre-back arrived on a £34m move from AC Milan and Schiavone believes he possesses the tools to thrive in England.

"We are talking about a 23-year-old player who has the pace, the physicality, the brain to be a success in the Premier League," Schiavone told BBC Radio Newcastle's Total Sport.

"I think Malick Thiaw is in the right place now because he is a very good defender.

"He is tailor-made for the Premier League. He has all the attributes – he is strong, he is robust, he always puts his foot on the line and is very good at stopping and blocking crosses.

"The only thing he lacks is that nasty streak. Sometimes he is too nice. If he can be a bit more of a no-nonsense defender then he can get all the way up to Nemanja Vidic and John Terry levels."

Thiaw is Newcastle's third signing of a difficult summer, having made 31 appearances in all competitions for AC Milan last season. His only goal came against Real Madrid in the Champions League in November.

"Sometimes Thiaw's technical awareness is not where it should be, but I'm sure Eddie Howe and his coaching staff will get him up and firing from that point of view," Schiavone said.

"He has evolved but sometimes it takes him a while to get over a mistake. He makes a mistake and then it can happen that he makes another mistake in the same game.

"But he is a brilliant defender. He is very quick for his size – he is 6ft 5in – and has very good feet for a centre-back. He can drive out of the defence and pick a pass, going long or short.

"Thiaw is not a natural leader [right now], but if he can be a natural leader then the sky is the limit."

Listen to the full discussion on BBC Sounds

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Jordan Butler
BBC Sport journalist

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Malick Thiaw's arrival on Tyneside helps ease Newcastle's frustrating transfer window.

The defender seems to have been high on Eddie Howe's list of targets for some time and it is easy to see why. He is a modern defensive hybrid and possesses a rare combination of physical and technical attributes.

The 6ft 4in Germany international is strong in the air but has a top speed that allows him to operate in Newcastle's preferred high line. He is also tactically flexible and can be deployed as a right-sided or left-sided centre-back, while he operated in the middle of a back three in 2022-23.

Thiaw can produce line-breaking passes and switch the play effectively. In 2024-25, he ranked inside the top 10 for long passes completed by defenders, managing an average of 3.5 per game in the Italian top flight. Despite that, he seldom gives the ball away, and in Serie A last season, only two defenders had a better passing accuracy than his 93.6%

Acquiring a youthful defender was a clear priority in this window, with Dan Burn, Jamaal Lascelles and Fabian Schar all over 30 and Sven Botman struggling with injuries.

Thiaw has just turned 24 and, while unlikely to replace the 33-year-old Schar immediately, he is viewed as a long-term successor.

He is the ideal age to develop under Howe's tutelage and has years to hone his already impressive game.

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We asked for your views on new signing Malick Thiaw from AC Milan.

Here are some of your comments:

Justin: Great signing. It will be interesting to see how much competition he puts on Fabian Schar to start, and also if he'll get any game time in defensive midfield.

Chris: Another good signing in addition to Anthony Elanga and Aaron Ramsdale. Squad depth still an issue, but if it weren't for all the failed signings and Alexander Isak noise, this wouldn't be a bad window.

Nat: Lovely signing. We've been desperate for a solid young centre-back for the past two or three windows. Now we have the youthful pair of Sven Botman and Thiaw with the experience of Dan Burn and Schar. Now for a midfielder, Jacob Ramsey looks to be on the horizon. After that, just the small task of two striker replacements so we can finally let Isak go and end this whole disappointing saga.

John: I'm well pleased that my team Newcastle United have finally been able to add more defensive cover to the squad. Our defence has been one of our assets but a couple of the lads are getting older, so it's good to bring the average age down. It's also good to bring in someone who is 100% committed to NUFC. We need to now add a couple of goalscorers to the squad to replace Wilson and someone who does not deserve to wear our colours. Howay the lads!

Les: Good signing. Young with experience but still lots of potential.

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Malick Thiaw has said he is "really excited to join this massive club" after joining Newcastle from AC Milan for a reported £34.6m plus add-ons.

The 24-year-old Germany defender told the club's website: "I can't wait to start training and to get to know my new team-mates and all the staff.

"The gaffer showed me his vision and what he wants to do with me as a player and the club itself, which is really exciting.

"Newcastle speaks for itself. It's a great club, a big club with passionate fans who I can't wait to see at St James' Park."

Thiaw, who has three caps for Germany, is the Magpies' third signing of a tricky summer of recruitment, after winger Anthony Elanga's arrival from Nottingham Forest and goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale on loan from Southampton.

Bringing in a new centre-back was a priority for Newcastle this summer as manager Eddie Howe looks to increase competition and lower the average age of an experienced squad.

Howe said on the signing: "We're really pleased to have Malick on board. He's a player I've admired for a long time and somebody who will add real quality to our defensive options.

"Malick is still young but brings valuable experience of Champions League football, as well as playing in the Bundesliga and Serie A, which is a major positive for us as we return to Europe this season."

What do you make of this signing? Are you happy Thiaw strengthens the defence or would you have preferred a different recruit? And who needs to be next through the door and why?

Get in touch with your views here

Charlotte Robson
Fan writer

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It already feels like this season might be a tricky one for Newcastle United. Pre-season and the transfer window thus far have been blighted - losses in games we expected (or, maybe, hoped) to win, and almost a bi-weekly thwart of our transfer targets. We wouldn't want things to be easy now would we?

So then, am I hopeful for the season ahead? My dad text me after our two home friendlies this weekend and said "it's going to be a long season". So to offer balance to his obvious lack of hope, I say yes. I say yes because even though our transfer activity has been chaotic and objectively bad, we still have several absolutely class international players in our squad. At time of writing, Alexander Isak remains a Newcastle player. And Eddie Howe remains our head coach. These are all buoying thoughts. I hope we not only manage to hold onto Isak but can clear the air with him for the season ahead. It benefits team and player!

I don't think it'll be easy. Champions League football isn't supposed to be easy, and we could have done with reinforcements. I'm worried about what literally one injury to a key player will do to derail our season. We were in the Champions League two seasons ago playing in Paris without a full bench. I hoped we'd be further away from that situation. But the window isn't closed, and we thrive when we're the underdog, right? So it'll all be completely fine!

If this all reads like I'm not only trying to convince you, but also myself, there may be an element of that. I'm determined to go into this season positive. We've got loads to play for, and we need to back the squad and manager.

Find more from Charlotte Robson at the True Faith: Newcastle United Podcast, external

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Matthew Hobbs
BBC Sport journalist

With Alexander Isak reportedly determined to leave Newcastle United this summer, it is looking increasingly likely he will be playing his football elsewhere in the future.

It means that the Magpies are highly likely to kick off their Premier League campaign at Aston Villa on Saturday without their star striker and must instead look to other assets to absorb Isak's influence in front of goal.

The task is something of a thankless one. Isak scored 23 goals and provided six assists in the Premier League last season, meaning he was directly involved in more than 40% of Newcastle's total league goals - scoring 33.8% of them.

No other Magpies player scored more than nine league goals last term – and that was winger Harvey Barnes.

Jacob Murphy is likely to once again play a key role after scoring eight times and registering 12 assists last campaign, while new signing Anthony Elanga was involved in nearly 30% of Nottingham Forest's league goals in 2024-25 – although, like Murphy, the bulk of Elanga's contribution was in setting up team-mates, rather than finding the back of the net. He recorded six goals and provided 11 assists.

So Newcastle's biggest quandary remains - who will take the chances at Villa Park come Saturday lunchtime? And who can replace a player of Isak's quality should he depart with the transfer window just under three weeks from closing?

Newcastle have a strong interest in Leicester City and Morocco attacking midfielder Bilal El Khannouss, 21, but face competition from Leeds. (Telegraph - subscription required), external

Brentford are in talks to sign Rennes' French striker Arnaud Kalimuendo, with the Bees slightly more advanced in negotiations for the 23-year-old. (L'Equipe - in French), external

Meanwhile, Alexander Isak will only consider reintegrating at Newcastle or signing a new deal if Liverpool directly inform him a deal is impossible this summer. (Givemesport) , external

Monaco are interested in signing Magpies right-back Kieran Trippier. (Sky Sports), external

Finally, Dominic Calvert-Lewin has sacked his agent as he attempts to find a new club. The 28-year-old England striker has held talks with Newcastle, Manchester United and Leeds. (Talksport), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

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Aaron Ramsdale spoke to the media after making his unofficial home debut for Newcastle: "It was good fun to get a run out. It was a nice vibe and to get a taste of what it is going to be like is something special.

"I have been on the grass twice [with Newcastle] so connections will slowly get there. The great thing is that I know a few of the lads personally so I've slotted in really well. I know all of the backroom and coaching staff so it has been a seamless transition."

He was asked on the differences between working with Eddie Howe at Bournemouth and now: "It is still very similar and something that I have missed. It is like being back to normal for me. I remembered bits that we used to do and it brought a smile back to my face. I can walk into it and get going straight away."

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We asked for your views on whether Newcastle are ready for the new season as they prepare to kick off at Aston Villa on Saturday.

Here are some of your comments:

Tony: Nowhere near ready. No recognised proven striker available to play, an ageing leaky defence, very few additions to an already thin squad and an unsettled player dispute going on behind the scenes. All that, and a less than convincing pre-season, says to me we are way off where we need to be if we want to push on from last season.

Joe: All the focus on the Isak situation has meant the lack of depth in our midfield has gone under the radar. An injury to any of Tonali, Bruno or Joelinton - regardless of how impressive young Miley continues to be - would cripple us. At least one new addition is required in that department. Seven days is a long time in football. A few new signings and a positive performance against Villa will certainly help to lift the gloomy clouds over St James' Park.

Alex: It's a mixed bag. Not won all pre-season. The whole Isak debacle has been a big distraction and has clearly stressed Eddie Howe out. Very few targets have been acquired. However, Ramsdale looked decent on his debut on Friday, Elanga showed his pace off on Saturday and one or two youth players have shown desire on the pitch during the friendlies. A couple more transfers in and get the Isak situation under control and everything will be fine.

Sarah: We are about as ready as a contestant on Masterchef with no eggs and we are supposed to be making a pavlova. Isak has whipped us all into a frenzy but the yolk may well be on him.

Don: I'd like to think so but if I am realistic then I don't think they are! Having watched all the pre-season games I think they are actually weaker (or slower, or less fit) than they were in June. Obviously the situation with Isak is not helping and punishing him now has left us with no viable striker. Gordon can run himself silly and cause problems for the opposition regardless of which position he plays in - but he is not a striker! I like the look of Elanga but, apart from his first game, he has not made an impact. I am just hoping that since we haven't played with a full 'first team' throughout the summer, things will get immediately better when we do.

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Newcastle United forward Alexander Isak has behaved "despicably" as he tries to force a move to Liverpool this summer, that's according to The Telegraph's Luke Edwards.

Isak has been training separately from his team-mates this summer after pulling out of their pre-season tour through injury.

Edwards, the northern football writer for The Telegraph, believes it was always a move he could see coming, but he is surprised at the way Isak has conducted himself.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Podcast, he said: "Everybody knew he was one of the most coveted players in Europe, and people knew he would get to a point where he felt he had outgrown Newcastle.

"The message has always been the same that he would not be allowed to leave and that he is not for sale and that stance has not changed. What has changed is that nobody anticipated that Isak would behave as badly as he has done.

"He is effectively refusing to play and he is desperate to force his way out. Newcastle's stance is being put under the ultimate stress test because you have a player willing to burn bridges on his way out. I think he is behaving despicably."

The Sweden international remains at the club with the start of the Premier League season on the horizon, putting Newcastle, and boss Eddie Howe, in a difficult situation.

"You've got a board, in Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund that aren't bullied in any kind of business that they do and they are insisting he will not go, but in the middle you've got Eddie Howe," added Edwards.

"The problem Liverpool have got is that they went in too low with the first bid and Newcastle need two strikers in three weeks. It would look bad for them to buckle having had the stance that he won't be sold, only to then go and sell him."

Listen to full episode on BBC Sounds here.

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Newcastle boss Eddie Howe was asked how prepared he feels before the Premier League starting this weekend in the aftermath of a 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid: "Physically the players are very good but mentally is a different question. There has been challenges this summer that we haven't faced before and the general feeling in the group has been down, especially early in pre-season.

"Alex [Isak] is such a popular player in the dressing room and any disruption around a player of that calibre is going to affect the group.

"I think they have responded really well to it but it is still there in the background. It is an unwelcomed disruption. We have to get used to it and if anything it has to make us stronger."

On what needs to be done before the season kicks off this weekend: "We need some more work in our sharpness. We are physically fit, but in the movements, one-v-one duels and the end actions haven't really been there [against Atletico Madrid].

"Our squad depth at the moment, we are stretched in midfield with Joe Willock's injury. With Champions League football the bodies we need and squad we are going to need, the depth isn't quite there at the moment."

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Ciaran Kelly
BBC Sport reporter

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It is easy to forget that Newcastle United were, technically, still in the race to finish as runners-up with just a couple of games to go last season.

Newcastle ended up in fifth, but the club had real momentum going into the summer after qualifying for the Champions League and ending the club's long wait for silverware.

Only this has not proved a transformative window.

Newcastle have missed out on a host of targets, including Hugo Ekitike, Joao Pedro, James Trafford, Liam Delap and Dean Huijsen.

The Alexander Isak saga continues to drag on and there has been further upheaval in the boardroom following the departure of sporting director Paul Mitchell.

It has been far from ideal.

Newcastle still have a side capable of going toe-to-toe with the very best, as the Magpies proved against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final, but this thin squad needs urgent reinforcements to fight on four fronts.