How Isak going on ‘strike’ changed our relationship — Howe

Newcastle United manager, Eddie Howe has admitted his relationship with Alexander Isak was damaged after the striker went on “strike” to force through his record-breaking move to Liverpool.

The Sweden international refused to train with his team-mates and sat out Newcastle’s opening three matches of the season before sealing a £125m transfer to Anfield on deadline day, a new British record.

Speaking publicly about the saga for the first time, Howe conceded that the breakdown in communication with the 25-year-old marked a turning point.

“Alex and I always enjoyed a great relationship. I loved working with him, and I hope he enjoyed working with us. It was mutually beneficial; we helped him become the player he is today, and he helped us achieve some unbelievable milestones.

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“But the moment he went on strike, our relationship did change. That was probably the turning point,” Howe said.

Isak’s exit is the first major sale under Howe’s reign, nearly four years after he took charge of the Magpies. Newcastle had initially rejected a £110m bid from Liverpool before eventually agreeing to sell after recruiting Stuttgart forward Nick Woltemade for a club-record £69m and securing a deal for Yoane Wissa.

Howe admitted the club must now work harder to keep their top players, but insisted Isak’s desire to leave was not about unhappiness at Newcastle.

“Alex loved his time here. I never had a day where he looked like he didn’t enjoy being part of this team when he was 100%,” Howe explained. “I think it changed once another club came in — that affected his thought process more than anything else.”

Newcastle now face Wolves at St James’ Park this weekend with limited attacking options. Wissa is sidelined with a knee injury, Anthony Gordon is suspended, and Jacob Ramsey remains out. That leaves Woltemade primed for his debut in a stretched frontline.

Howe stressed the importance of recruiting players fully committed to the club, pointing to past success stories such as Bruno Guimaraes, Dan Burn and Kieran Trippier, who all joined at a time when Newcastle were battling relegation.

“It’s very difficult to work with players who don’t want to be at a club.

“Ability matters, but so does desire. All the successful transfers we’ve made have been driven by players’ love for the club and their willingness to be here. That’s what sustains them when the difficult moments come,” he said.

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