Newcastle, England – Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has admitted that the club is still grappling with the aftermath of Alexander Isak’s protracted transfer to Liverpool, which set a new British record at £125 million ($172 million) on deadline day of the summer window.
The Sweden forward effectively went on strike to force the move to the Premier League champions, leaving Newcastle to reinvest the funds in Nick Woltemade (£69 million) and Yoane Wissa (£55 million).
Howe on Losing Isak
Ahead of Newcastle’s clash with Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday, Howe acknowledged the difficulty of replacing a player of Isak’s calibre.
“You lose a player like Alex… and let’s put this right, Liverpool paid the money they did because he’s an outstanding footballer, an unbelievable talent,” Howe said.
“We were privileged to have him for the years that we had him. We loved working with him. He was an outstanding player. When you take that player away from your team, it’s going to change the dynamics, that’s for sure.”
Integrating New Signings
Howe admitted that integrating Woltemade and Wissa has been “an ever-challenging thing,” especially with limited training time.
- Nick Woltemade has scored nine goals in all competitions this season.
- Yoane Wissa has netted three times in an injury-hit campaign.
“We’re still in that moment and we’ve been trying to do that all season,” Howe explained. “I think the guys who have come in have done a very good job. But we’re still finding ways to get the best out of the new players that we’ve signed without training, with very minimal time to do any work with them.”
Isak’s Injury Struggles at Liverpool
Isak’s first season at Liverpool has been derailed by an ankle operation that included a fibula fracture. Manager Arne Slot confirmed on Friday that the forward’s return remains distant.
“He’s not even on the pitch yet,” Slot said. “I think it’s called a walker, he’s just out of his walker, so that tells you that he’s not on the pitch.”
Newcastle’s Current Form
Newcastle trail Liverpool by three points in the Premier League and head into the weekend boosted by their 1-1 Champions League draw against holders Paris Saint-Germain.
The Magpies will face Qarabag in next month’s play-offs, with a place in the last 16 at stake. Howe also revealed that Joelinton is likely to be sidelined for “weeks, not months” following treatment on a groin issue.
Conclusion
As Newcastle prepare to face Liverpool, Howe’s reflections highlight both the challenge of rebuilding after losing a star striker and the resilience of his squad. With Woltemade and Wissa finding their footing and Joelinton temporarily out, the Magpies continue to adapt in pursuit of consistency at home and abroad.
