Isak pulls a Gyokeres: Liverpool target 'goes AWOL' to force transfer

Tom Weber
Tom Weber
  • Updated: 29 Jul 2025 19:15 BST
  • 4 min read
Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyokeres, Sweden
© IMAGO

Newcastle striker Alexander Isak has gone AWOL to force through a transfer to Liverpool, according to a report.

Article continues under the video

The Sweden international caused outrage and consternation on Tyneside last week by informing Newcastle of his desire to explore his options in this window.

The Magpies have maintained throughout the summer that Isak is not for sale, prompting the 25-year-old to essentially take matters into his own hands, stopping just short of handing in a formal transfer request.

Current ETV
Player image Alexander Isak
Alexander Isak

F (C)

Newcastle Utd. logo

Newcastle Utd.

Alexander Isak
Alexander Isak

F (C)

Newcastle Utd.

Newcastle Utd.

€116.1M

ETV Range

€104.5M - €127.7M

Isak has his heart set on a move to Liverpool, while Newcastle haven't given up hope of keeping their star striker. However, the Reds are set to test Newcastle's resolve with a bid imminently now that Luis Diaz has been sold to Bayern.

Both clubs are currently on tour in Asia, whereas Isak has stayed behind in Newcastle after refusing to travel with Eddie Howe's squad. Now, it has emerged that the striker isn't even officially training anymore.

Isak goes AWOL

At least that is according to a report from TBR Football, which claims that Isak has basically gone AWOL and is now keeping himself fit at home rather than at Newcastle's training ground.

Isak appears to have taken a page out of the book of compatriot Viktor Gyokeres, who refused to show up to Sporting CP training to force through a transfer to Arsenal.

Alexander Isak
© IMAGO - Alexander Isak

Gyokeres was successful, but it remains to be seen if his strike partner for Sweden will also get his wish. The odds appear to be in his favour, though, with Liverpool said to be 'confident' that Newcastle will let the 25-year-old leave.

The Magpies have identified RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko as their preferred replacement, but they are facing competition from Man Utd. Fortunately for Newcastle, the Red Devils currently can't afford the Slovenian, and discussions over a move are not as advanced.

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