Newcastle United

Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter

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Lesley, Football Extra reader, asked me: With reference to the Alexander Isak situation, as a player in the dressing room with him, when would you consider a line to have been crossed that means he would not be welcomed back into the team? Missing training, missing a match, missing two... ?

A lot depends on the player, the personality and the way he has behaved. The team will find it hard to fully forgive their errant wantaway team-mate if he is hurting the group, but turning on him totally is different. This is where we are with Alexander Isak right now: they can't use him if he refuses to play and they can't replace him if he isn't sold. Everyone is suffering.

Within the squad, everyone knows it is just brinkmanship on both sides; we have all been there to a greater or lesser degree when moving clubs. When the business is about the money, it almost invariably gets uglier the longer it goes on.‌

The end of the transfer window is getting closer. Isak will be listening to his advisors. He has to know that however unhappy, uncomfortable and unpopular he is just now, if this works out for him and he ends up at Liverpool soon, then in his eyes it will have all been worth it... with bells on.

What the former team-mates think of him will matter little; it is what his new team-mates think that then matters.

Football is generally selfish and there is little loyalty from either clubs or players when it doesn't suit them. One outlook I'm sure Isak would like to be shared just now is that, from his perspective, he arrived costing £60m, did a fine job, scored more than 60 goals three seasons. If he leaves, Newcastle will probably have doubled their money. That isn't a bad return for his services.‌

There is little point in Newcastle - or indeed any football club - trying to claim the moral high ground. Right now, Yoane Wissa is not playing for Brentford because he is hoping for a move to Newcastle. How radically different is that to Isak's situation?‌

Players know this is how it works and it is why the Newcastle dressing room might be very disappointed in Isak, but they will not necessarily turn on him, because next season it might just be them in the same situation.

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Football finance writer Chris Wetherspoon says Newcastle are in a "much better position" in terms of Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) than they were year ago but selling Alexander Isak would open up the opportunity to sign "four or five serious players".

Both the club and Isak have released statements on the ongoing transfer saga with the only official approach for the Sweden international a £110m bid from Liverpool at the start of August.

"Every team is restricted [by PSR] to differing levels but relative to what Newcastle have had in recent years no there isn't [restrictions]," Wetherspoon told BBC Radio Newcastle.

"Newcastle have spent around £70m in the last week so their transfer window has moved on from what it was but I don't think what was stopping them get people in was an inability to spend.

"They have scope to spend and also did have the scope to give Alexander Isak the money that he wanted. That doesn't mean that you go and do it, but within the rules they could have done.

"They are in a much better position than they were a year ago when it was clear for all to see they were flailing at the last minute.

"On Isak, if they were to sell him for a big amount of money, it would open up a huge amount of scope within the rules to go and spend. You could go and get four or five serious players in to bolster the team.

"The issue with that now is time. We've got less than two weeks left. The better case for Newcastle this summer would have been Isak leaving early for big money before teams had started spending big and there was a bidding war.

"Now, there is only really one team interested - Liverpool.

"But, they don't need to do it."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

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We asked for your views on Alexander Isak and the statements exchanged between him and Newcastle United.

Here are some of your comments:

Paul: Isak didn't have to sign a contract with Newcastle for the term he signed for. His time at Newcastle is the reason his value visibility has increased. Whatever he thinks may have been said, it doesn't change the contract he signed. His current behaviour makes it clear his loyalty is to himself only. I'm not sure Liverpool will want him after he has shown his true colours.

David: If Isak wants out so much, why hasn't he handed in a transfer request?

Andrew: He's signed a contract, he should honour it.

Chris: Never mind a statement from Isak. The player should not have attended the PFA awards on the basis of their current behaviour falling well below the standards expected from a 'professional'.

Richard: Something about Isak's words feels disingenuous and I don't think he has gone about his desire for a transfer in a very skilful way. Given the breakdown in relationship, my sense is that Newcastle would let Isak go, regardless of new strikers, but only for the right price - business comes first. If the price is not met, it seems very difficult to achieve reintegration at this stage, but not impossible, so what happens next is anyone's guess.

Russell: It's all well and good a 'promise' being made but that doesn't mean we have to sell him below his value. If a club came in at £150m we'd probably sell but nobody did and we aren't going to sell him cheap just because he wants to leave and we 'promised' we'd let him. He needs to grow up and start acting like an adult.

Gerard: It's clear Isak is behaving poorly but I wonder if there is something in Isak's claim around broken promises. If a contract was promised then negotiations withdrawn then this is foolish. He is one of the best strikers in the world and what comes with that is the best pay in the world. Mitchell's poor management again seems at least partly to blame here. Isak not to be excused for this self sabotage though.

Sophie Brown
BBC Sport journalist

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Alexander Isak's impact at Newcastle has been immense.

Only he and Manchester City striker Erling Haaland have topped 20 Premier League goals in both the past two campaigns, with Isak's tally of 23 last season second only to Mohamed Salah. Isak's 27 goals in all competitions in 2024-25 included the decisive one in the EFL Cup final that earned Newcastle their first silverware for 70 years and he was named in the PFA team of the year.

The Mapgies' lack of cutting edge at Aston Villa on Saturday without the Swedish international was evident – the visitors had 16 shots but just three were on target, with Anthony Elanga and Anthony Gordon both spurning decent chances.

However, life without Isak might not be as bleak as fans fear. While Newcastle have won fewer games and scored fewer goals without him, they have earned more points per game when he has been absent.

Isak scored on his Newcastle debut – ironically against Liverpool, the club he is desperate to join – and his stream of goals since then has been a key part of their recent success. But the stats show that Eddie Howe is entitled to claim that Newcastle "are still a force" without their star striker – although there is no doubt they need to find a proven goalscorer to replace him.

Ciaran Kelly
Football reporter

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To explain this we need to look at Newcastle's transfers so far.

After a frustrating summer window, their business has started to pick up.

They signed midfielder Jacob Ramsey from Aston Villa for £40m on Sunday, after securing AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw for a reported £34.6m earlier in the week.

This added to July's £55m signing of Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga and the loan signing of England goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale early in August.

But there is one glaring omission.

None of these are strikers - and they really needed one before Alexander Isak's future was thrown into question after the departure of Callum Wilson.

Sources have told BBC Sport one reason there hasn't yet been a follow-up bid is that any move would be reliant on Newcastle getting two strikers through the door.

Newcastle have maintained publicly that Isak isn't for sale, but Liverpool know they are looking for two strikers for a reason.

When - or perhaps if - Newcastle get those two signings in, Liverpool are expected to ramp up their interest with another bid.

Sources say the next offer will be a minimum £120m. At the moment, though, it's a waiting game.

Read more on the saga here

Alexander Isak and Newcastle United have exchanged words regarding the striker's future. You can read them all below.

So what do you think will happen now? Will he join Liverpool or stay put?

Get in touch with your views here

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Alexander Isak has spoken publicly for the first time since his future became the biggest talking point this summer.

Liverpool had a £110m bid rejected for the forward, who is currently not training with the first-team at Newcastle.

Isak says Newcastle United have "broken" promises and that "trust is lost" whilst the club say "no commitment has ever been made" that he could leave this summer.

In a statement on Instagram Isak wrote: "I've kept quiet for a long time while others have spoken. That silence has allowed people to push their own version of events, even though they know it doesn't reflect what was really said and agreed behind closed doors.

"The reality is that promises were made and the club has known my position for a long time. To now act as if these issues are only emerging is misleading.

"When promises are broken and trust is lost, the relationship can't continue. That's where things are for me right now - and why change is in the best interests of everyone, not just myself."

In a later statement Newcastle said: "We are clear in response that Alex remains under contract and that no commitment has ever been made by a club official that Alex can leave Newcastle United this summer.

"We want to keep our best players, but we also understand players have their own wishes and we listen to their views.

"As explained to Alex and his representatives, we must always take into consideration the best interests of Newcastle United, the team and our supporters in all decisions and we have been clear that the conditions of a sale this summer have not transpired. We do not foresee those conditions being met."

Newcastle are unwilling to pay more than £40m for Brentford striker Yoane Wissa but the Bees have put a £60m price tag on the 28-year-old DR Congo international. (Northern Echo, external)

Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen remains of interest to Newcastle - although the 25-year-old Norwegian is not hankering to leave Molineux. (The Athletic - subscription required, external)

Ipswich have failed in a bid to take Magpies midfielder Lewis Miley on loan for the season. (Sky Sports, external)

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

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist

There is less than two weeks remining of the summer transfer window and what Newcastle's striker line-up will look like from 19:00 BST on 1 September is still no clearer.

With Alexander Isak currently in the middle of a stand-off with the club over his ambition to join Liverpool before the transfer deadline, Eddie Howe is having to make the most of what he already has without last season's standout player.

Understandably, supporters have been looking at who could be options to fill that role should Isak leave - so we have taken a look at the top trending searches for Newcastle over the past 24 hours.

The top strikers that have been searched for are Fiorentina's Moise Keane, Wolves' Jorgen Strand Larsen, Chelsea's Christopher Nkunku, Al-Ahli's Ivan Toney and Juventus' Dusan Vlahovic.

Comparing the stats across all competitions for those five forwards last season, former Brentford player Toney comes out on top for minutes played, goals and assists.

However, some will argue that the level of the Saudi Pro League is not the same as perhaps the Premier League and Serie A that the four others plied their trade in.

The Blues' Nkunku actually featured the most of the five in terms of games, though many of those appearances were from the bench or in the Conference League as he struggled to cement his spot in Enzo Maresca's side.

Ex-Everton forward Keane racked up an impressive 25 goals in his 44 games in Italy last term, while all five had similar output in their assists count.

Strand Larsen will be a more familiar face to Magpies fans with the Wolves number nine impressing during his loan spell - now made permanent - with the West Midlands club, particularly when deputising for Matheus Cunha, who has since joined Manchester United.

While many of the names are speculation right now, who do you think would be the best target for Newcastle if they were to bring in a new striker?

Make your choice here

Chief football writer Phil McNulty has been answering your questions on all things Premier League.

Mark asked: If Newcastle get Yoane Wissa and another striker over the line but lose Alexander Iask, despite the noise on missed targets, do you think our window will be judged as a good one based on who we got in?

Phil answered: Newcastle have actually done some good business so far, bringing in Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest and Jacob Ramsey from Aston Villa.

Elanga played a big role in Forest reaching Europe, while I really like Ramsey. He was very popular with Villa fans as a local product, and I bet Villa were very reluctant sellers.

They have also brought in defender Malick Thiaw from AC Milan, but there is no getting away from the fact that Isak's discontent – and his behaviour – has cast a shadow.

If they can sign Wissa and get another done, then that is very good business, but losing Isak would be a big blow.

Trust Eddie Howe, though, as he seems well in control of everything, and Newcastle still have some very fine players.

Steve asked: Assuming Isak won't play again for Newcastle, which available strikers should Newcastle target who would fit their style and improve under Howe?

Phil answered: Wissa would be a good addition, while eyes have been cast at Jorgen Strand Larsen at Wolves. Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson has also been touted, and while he is inconsistent, he has talent, and we have seen how Howe can improve players from raw materials.

You can catch Phil McNulty's live Q&A here

Chris Collinson
BBC Sport statistician

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Here is why clubs like Newcastle are so keen on Yoane Wissa.

Only Erling Haaland and Alexander Isak scored more regularly than Wissa last season away from the penalty spot...

Why have we excluded penalties? Seems harsh on Mohamed Salah, etc. Because getting to score penalties isn't really down to the scorer but relies on team-mates. For example, Salah didn't win any of his nine penalties himself last season - and penalties are also down to the clumsiness of defenders and the opinion of that game's referee. Obviously all goals rely on service from team-mates to some extent but penalties are such huge goalscoring gifts that it's fairer on players who don't get to take them to exclude them.

You might think that the only way a Brentford forward could be up there with the likes of Haaland and Isak is because they enjoyed a hot streak of form in front of goal last season (i.e. they significantly overperformed their xG). While that was indeed the case for Wissa's former team-mate Bryan Mbeumo, it wasn't for Wissa himself...he just actually got a lot of really good chances to score last season.

Wissa was the apex predator of the penalty box in the Premier League, as his movement, anticipation etc - as well as Brentford's style of play - saw him take by far the highest-quality chances on average in the league.

Here is his Premier League shot map from last season...something that other strikers can only dream of in their sleep! His chances were so good that he didn't even have to be clinical, scoring his 19 goals from an xG of 18.6.

Charlotte Robson
Fan writer

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Newcastle's performance at Villa Park was a pleasant surprise. For the first half we kept Aston Villa to an xG of a delicious 0.0 and we looked sharp and disciplined. Not what I was expecting!

Much noise has been made about the transfer window being a bust for us, but we have gained a little bit of momentum in the past couple of weeks and it now looks (striker 'on strike' aside) like a pretty decent window.

It is nice, and necessary, that we are bringing in players to augment the side but I'm going to talk up our first summer signing, Anthony Elanga, because I thought he was excellent this weekend and typifies what we are trying to do.

Elanga very nearly went down in the annals of debut history with a shot within the first four minutes, bursting down the wing and beating Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa to show us just what he is going to offer this season.

It didn't matter that he didn't score (well it did, because we didn't win, but go with me here), it mattered that he looks fast and up for the challenge of proving himself at Newcastle United.

The additional context is, of course, that we were playing without an established striker.

I'm not prepared to go into why. I'm sick of why. Why has dominated our summer.

What I loved about Saturday's performance was not just Elanga's promising debut, but the fact the team seemed so together. The team wasn't going to let having no striker on the pitch and the commotion around that bleed into the start of the season.

We need one, make no mistake, but in the meantime we're going to work hard, stay fit and disciplined, and do what we can.

I think the season could be all right, after all.

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

Newcastle are set to launch a new £35m bid for DR Congo forward Yoane Wissa but Brentford will not sell the 28-year-old before signing a replacement. (Sun, external)

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

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

David Michael
BBC Sport Aston Villa fan writer

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It was Steven Gerrard that helped focus Aston Villa supporters' minds on the potential of Jacob Ramsey.

When Gerrard was Villa manager, Ramsey was 20 years old and carried the tag of being the 'one most likely' to make a big impression as a homegrown player in a post-Jack Grealish world. Regardless of Gerrard's pedigree as a manager, being one of England's greatest midfielders gave weight to his words. For Villa supporters, it was a case of game recognising game.

"He's a top talent. He is right up there, let me tell you," gushed Gerrard, before adding it was "only a matter of time" before the England Under-21 midfielder would be in the senior Three Lions set-up.

Ramsey's breakthrough season was one of few bright sparks of Gerrard's ill-fated reign. The midfielder proved himself as a rapid ball-carrier, enabling Villa to surge up the pitch with intent. He also had the welcome habit of ghosting into the box to score valuable goals.

When Unai Emery arrived, he became an integral part of an electric left-hand side that re-energised and propelled a seemingly lost team into Europe.

Under Emery, he developed further, adding creativity to his game and finishing the 2022-23 season with seven assists to go with his six goals.

Unfortunately, the past couple of campaigns of injuries have shackled Ramsey's momentum. For Villa, when fit, he became a matchday squad player rather than a guaranteed starter, and that perhaps will be his initial status at Newcastle, considering their depth on the left-hand side.

That said, Newcastle will need to rotate this season, and Ramsey proved adept in the Champions League last term, with a goal and two assists in four starts and two substitute appearances.

His ex-team-mates' support and best wishes on social media demonstrated how he was regarded at Villa Park, but such sentiment is increasingly drowned out by the blunt economic reality of PSR and wage-ratio rules.

A circa £40m transfer fee is widely regarded as excellent business - the kind of deal that makes even the romance of watching a homegrown talent flourish feel expendable.

Ramsey becomes the latest Villa academy graduate to be harvested for compliance - a transaction that might satisfy the spreadsheets but ultimately leaves die-hard supporters colder to the reality of the Premier League.

Find more from David Michael at My Old Man Said, external

Ciaran Kelly
Newcastle United reporter

We have been getting plenty of questions in from you about the Alexander Isak situation, including about where Newcastle stand given the striker is not currently being selected and training away from the rest of the squad.

Eddie Howe would love to be able to call upon one of the best strikers in the world.

But Isak remains determined to join Liverpool and continues to train away from the rest of his Newcastle United team-mates.

Howe was asked whether the Swede would be fined after Isak sat out the goalless draw against Aston Villa on the opening day and the Newcastle head coach said that "other people are dealing with that issue".

So would Newcastle have grounds?

Dan Chapman, the partner and head of employment and sports teams at Leathes Prior, said: "The club would potentially be able to fine the player if they are able to point to a breach of his obligations under his contract or, more likely, a relevant code of conduct."

Do you have a question about Newcastle? If so, get in touch here

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Anthony Gordon spoke to BBC Radio Newcastle after Saturday's draw against Aston Villa: "It is a hard place to play and sometimes you will take a point, but with the man sent off you want to go and get the three points.

"I feel like we are progressing and you can see the togetherness as a team - that is our main strength and nothing is going to break that. Every big challenge coming at us is going to make us better.

"It has been a difficult summer but you wouldn't think that looking at us. It is a testament to the staff and all of the lads."

On starting the game as the centre-forward: "I really like it, but it's going to take getting used to. My back is to goal a lot, which you never have as a winger. When people are playing me in, that is when I can really hurt people.

"I just need to improve in certain areas and that will come with time."

• Listen to Gordon on BBC Sounds

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Jacob Ramsey says "it didn't take much time" to decide whether to make the switch from Aston Villa to Newcastle once he had learned of Eddie Howe's interest.

The 24-year-old midfielder had been with Villa since the age of six and made 167 appearances for the senior side, but was ready for a new challenge.

"This is a big move for me, but as soon as I knew the gaffer was interested and really liked me, it didn't take much time to decide," Ramsey told Newcastle's club website.

"His track record of developing players, especially those who have gone on to become internationals here, speaks for itself.

"It was always a tough game playing for Villa against Newcastle - the team is full of energy, so athletic and the fans are so passionate. I feel my game will suit that and I'm excited to be on the other end of it now."

Howe said: "Jacob is another fantastic addition to our squad. His qualities will bring us something different on the pitch and he fits the profile of being young and hungry to develop, but also with a wealth of Premier League football under his belt.

"Jacob offers versatility and his directness in attack and has proven to be a real threat at this level in recent seasons.

"He performed very well in the Champions League last season too and we believe he'll be a major asset for us."

We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Aston Villa and Newcastle.

Here are some of your comments:

Aston Villa fans

Phil: Disappointed with Villa. They were sluggish in midfield, poor passing and not sure Watkins' heart is in it. The most obvious thing that summed up Saturday's game was the free-kick Tielemans put in - a superb cross and not one player went for the ball and then it went out for throw in to Newcastle.

Martyn: Lousy game and nothing positive to say other than a point was a bonus. Too many players didn't turn up and Konsa's schoolboy challenge almost cost us the match. Emery knows the size of the task and I think we all have to be realistic about the season ahead.

Robin: Very disappointing. Seemed to have learned nothing during their preparation. Passing poor. I fear that they will struggle this season. Newcastle were the better team and should have won.

Leigh: A rusty performance and pedestrian transition with what seemed a lack of creativity and never seemed to be a threat. Nothing down the left side with Rogers clearly unhappy and lacking any quality. Cash and McGinn played well. Bizot was strong and decisive. A worrying start and clearly Villa are lacking a creative striker as Watkins seemed to lack vision, creating very little, but he wasn't serviced by the likes of Tielemans. I also felt a lack of atmosphere for the opening home match. On the flip side, Newcastle were equally as poor. Come on, Villa - we know you are better than this.

Roger: Flat, flat, flat - disappointing with too many players off the pace. Rogers was non-existent and there was too much gifting of possession with stray passes. Where is the creativity going to come from?

Martin: A very poor and disappointing performance. We are desperate for new full-backs. The midfield has got old, boring and has no creativity. This season will be a struggle without new faces.

Newcastle fans

Brian: The failure in the transfer market to recruit quality players is evident, it is not only the Isak situation that results in no goals for the Toon. The fault lies with the club management in all aspects and it needs to be corrected so we can have a team that can beat a 10-man opposition. The team still have a few good players but the under-performers should be moved on and quality brought in, and we need better management to do that.

Paul: Very disappointed in Elanga. We should have signed Mohammed Kudus or Antoine Semenyo instead. Season of struggle if we don't get strikers in as we are toothless without Isak.

Jason: Newcastle just showed that they would have been better prepared if they had not wasted their time, let Isak leave and brought in a replacement in time for this game. The result would have been better.

Richard: I'd have taken a point before the game but, by the end of it, I was disappointed we didn't get all three. I think we looked rusty but then so did Villa and I don't think the elephant in the room/Swede on the pitch would have necessarily meant we would have won. Yes, we created chances but I didn't come away with the impression that Isak would have been the difference here. If we can keep the intensity of the first 35 minutes up for the whole game then I think we can still give anyone a game. That said, a new striker or two would be very nice.

John: I thought Newcastle were excellent. Villa is never an easy gig for us, and with all the negative noise around the club at the moment, the performance was all the more impressive. We could have had two or three goals in the first half but, overall, I'm happy with a point. Credit to Eddie and the lads.

Bryan: Reasonable all-round performance but, as expected, we are definitely missing a striker. Don't understand why we bring on the only recognised striker with only minutes to play. Gordon will never be a striker. Another excellent display from Dan Burn.