Newcastle directors visit Isak at home amid ongoing Newcastle stand-off
Newcastle Directors Hold Private Talks with Exiled Striker Alexander Isak Amid Growing Uncertainty Over His Future
Newcastle United’s ownership hierarchy has stepped in to address the ongoing saga surrounding Alexander Isak, with directors Jamie Reuben and Jacobo Solis making a personal visit to the Swedish striker’s home on Monday. The visit came just hours before the Magpies’ dramatic 3-2 defeat to Liverpool at St James’ Park, and underlined the seriousness of the standoff between the club and their £63m record signing.
Isak has been exiled from first-team training since last month, when he controversially refused to join Eddie Howe’s squad on their pre-season tour. His absence has left Newcastle short in attack at the start of what is expected to be a gruelling campaign, with the club balancing domestic duties alongside Champions League football.
Talks Over Isak’s Future Continue
Reuben and Solis, two influential figures on the Newcastle board, reportedly held frank discussions with Isak about his immediate future, though with less than a week left before the transfer window shuts, the situation remains unresolved. Chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan, who was in attendance at Monday night’s match, was not part of the home visit earlier in the day.
When asked about the developments after the Liverpool game, head coach Eddie Howe insisted he was unaware of the meeting and reiterated that his focus was solely on preparing the team.
“Talks have been ongoing since Alex made his decision not to travel on tour,” Howe told Sky Sports. “I’ve concentrated on coaching the players available to me. I’ve not been party to those discussions, so I have no update.”
Who Are Reuben and Solis?
Newcastle currently operate with six directors overseeing club affairs. Among them are Jamie Reuben and Jacobo Solis, both of whom have growing influence behind the scenes.
Jacobo Solis: Appointed to the board in December, Solis is head of public investments for Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which owns Newcastle. With a background in investment banking in the United States, he also plays roles in LIV Golf and the E1 Powerboat series – highlighting his global sporting and financial reach.
Jamie Reuben: A British businessman and son of billionaire David Reuben, Jamie has been co-owner of Newcastle since 2021. Previously involved with Queens Park Rangers, he has taken a more visible role in club operations and is often seen alongside fellow board members at St James’ Park.
Howe’s Focus Remains on Committed Players
Eddie Howe admitted in his post-match press conference that he has not spoken directly to Isak in almost a week, underlining the growing distance between the player and the coaching staff. The manager made it clear that he would prefer the situation to be resolved before the window closes at 11pm on September 1.
“It would be ideal to have clarity and move forward,” Howe explained. “The quality Alex has could have made a difference in recent games, but I’ve given my full energy to the players who want to play for Newcastle. The team has functioned well despite the noise, and that is a credit to the group.”
Dressing Room Response
Club captain Bruno Guimaraes echoed his manager’s stance, stressing unity within the squad despite the distractions.
“No one wins if the team loses,” Guimaraes said after the Liverpool game. “There’s a lot happening outside we cannot control. For us, it’s about fighting for the badge, making the fans proud, and giving our best. Sometimes results don’t go our way, but the spirit remains strong.”
Transfer Deadline Pressure
With Isak’s future still uncertain, Newcastle find themselves juggling multiple priorities as the transfer deadline looms. Sky Sports News reporter Keith Downie described the club’s situation as “spinning plates,” as they prepare for both potential outgoings and incomings.
The Magpies have been linked with Wolves striker Jørgen Strand Larsen as a possible replacement, though financial caution remains a key theme in their dealings. “They know they need reinforcements up front, especially with Champions League football to contend with,” Downie noted. “But they are wary of overspending, even with the pressure of the deadline fast approaching.”
What Next for Isak?
For now, the striker’s future hangs in the balance. A move away – potentially to Liverpool, who have been credited with interest – remains possible, but Newcastle would likely demand a significant fee given the 25-year-old’s talent and the record investment they made to bring him from Real Sociedad.
With less than a week remaining in the transfer window, both Newcastle and Isak are running out of time to find a resolution. Whether the Swede is reintegrated into Howe’s plans or secures a late move elsewhere, the coming days could prove decisive not only for Isak’s career but for Newcastle’s ambitions this season.