Newcastle boss Eddie Howe makes Alexander Isak admission

Robin Bairner

• 30 Jan 2026 07:30 CST
• 3 min read

Nieuws

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has spoken out about the impact of Alexander Isak’s summer transfer to Liverpool ahead of a clash between the two sides at Anfield on Saturday.

Isak went on strike to force through his switch to Liverpool for a Premier League record €145 million, which was completed late in the window.

It’s not a deal that’s paid off for anyone yet. Isak, who is currently out injured, has struggled to settle on Merseyside, scoring only three goals in 16 appearances, while Howe admits that Newcastle are still feeling the effects of the deal some six months later.

Eddie Howe on Isak sale

“It's an ever-challenging thing,” Howe told the media.

“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. 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. Then you have to try to find a way of not replacing him, but finding a player or players who can still make the team really effective.

“We're still in that moment and we've been trying to do that all season. I think the guys who have come in have done a very good job.”

I tried to sign Ekitike twice, Howe admits

Liverpool landed a double blow on Newcastle in the summer, having signed Hugo Ekitike before swooping for Isak. The Frenchman, who has been the Reds’ ace attacker this term, had been eyed by the Magpies, as Howe readily admitted.

“He’s a very, very good player. I think it’s well known that I’ve liked him for a number of years – I tried to sign him twice,” the Newcastle manager said.

“He has got a bit of everything. He has great movement, can score with both feet, he's good in the air and dribbles with the ball really well. He is a big talent.”

Where Isak has failed, Ekitike has thrived, and Howe will hope the Liverpool striker does not show up with his A-game against Newcastle.

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