Eddie Howe has suggested there is a way back for Alexander Isak at Newcastle United, but it may not actually be the case.
Isak wants to leave Newcastle this summer and Liverpool are keen to sign him, despite seeing an opening offer rejected.
It has been claimed that Liverpool will make another bid for Isak despite suggesting they were willing to walk away due to the costs involved in the potential deal.
Still, Newcastle will not sell Isak without signing a replacement and that, frankly, looks to be the sticking point.
Newcastle are struggling to sign players this summer and have so far inspired little confidence they can replace Isak to any meaningful degree.
There remains a chance that the Sweden international could stay, and Howe has confirmed Newcastle still support Isak.
Craig Hope, however, thinks the situation may have gone too far.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty ImagesAlexander Isak may now have burned bridges at Newcastle United
Isak did not come on pre-season tour with Newcastle due to what was officially described as a “minor thigh injury”.
The forward, however, has been training with his own coaches at Real Sociedad’s facilities.
Clearly, that is not a good look. Isak is due to return to Newcastle training next week and could even play in the Sela Cup double-header against Espanyol and Atletico Madrid, depending on whether Liverpool can agree terms before then.
The Newcastle United manager remains supportive of Isak, although Hope suggested the situation may now have gone too far.
“That would suggest to me, while Eddie Howe’s absolute preference is that all of this goes away and he gets back to having the best striker in Europe, if not the world, into his squad – I do think there’s a realisation now that bridges are starting to burn, to a degree,” he said.
“That’s why I think they’re pressing ahead with [Benjamin] Sesko and with [Yoane] Wissa.”
How Alexander Isak actually feels about Newcastle United now
Isak still has a great deal of respect for Newcastle, although fans could surely be forgiven if they think otherwise.
This has been an ugly saga, one played out in public only months after he scored the most important goal in Newcastle’s modern history during the Carabao Cup final.
Wanting to leave is understandable. Isak is, arguably, paid well below market value at St James’ Park and would almost certainly significantly increase his wages at Anfield.
Liverpool also offer much more realistic and immediate hope of winning major trophies than Newcastle.
Still, the manner in which this has all played out has been dreadful. Newcastle feel Isak has been badly advised, but it is difficult to see how he gets supporters back on board if he does end up staying.