Alexander Isak stays as Newcastle United complete £40m Liverpool ‘hijack’ – Eddie Howe dream XI
Newcastle United’s Summer Transfer Struggles Highlight Growing Concerns
Newcastle United have experienced a difficult and underwhelming start to the current summer transfer window, with just one new face added to the squad so far—Swedish winger Anthony Elanga. Despite being linked with a host of exciting talents, the club has been left disappointed time and again as their pursuit of key targets has failed to materialize. Interest in several high-profile players—including Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, James Trafford, and Hugo Ekitike—has ultimately come to nothing, with all six opting to join Premier League rivals instead. This string of setbacks has only added to the growing frustration among fans and club officials alike.
Manager Eddie Howe and his squad are currently in Asia as part of their pre-season preparations, aiming to fine-tune tactics and assess player fitness ahead of the new campaign. However, one notable absence from the travelling party is star striker Alexander Isak, who has remained on Tyneside amidst intensifying rumours surrounding his future. With Liverpool reportedly showing strong interest in the Swedish international, speculation is mounting about a potential big-money move. While a lucrative transfer could provide Newcastle with significant funds to reinvest in the squad, the club remains firmly opposed to selling Isak, viewing him as a central figure in their long-term plans.
The Magpies know that retaining Isak is crucial not just from a footballing standpoint, but also as a signal of ambition. Losing a player of his caliber to a direct rival would deal a serious blow to morale and could undermine the club’s project under Howe. Newcastle’s hierarchy is believed to be determined to resist any offers for the striker, hoping instead to build around him rather than cash in.
In terms of squad needs, there are still several pressing issues that must be addressed before the transfer window closes. Strengthening the center of defense is one of the key priorities, with injuries and inconsistent form having plagued that area last season. Additionally, there is an urgent need to bring in a reliable back-up forward to support Isak—especially if he stays—with Brentford’s Yoane Wissa emerging as a potential candidate to fill that role. Newcastle have also been linked with a number of defenders over recent weeks, suggesting that the club is actively exploring various options to plug the gaps.
Despite the early frustrations and missed opportunities, there remains hope that Newcastle will turn things around in the latter stages of the window. With the Premier League season fast approaching, the pressure is now mounting on the recruitment team to deliver the reinforcements needed to keep pace with their top-six rivals and continue their progression under Eddie Howe.