Eddie Howe has admitted his bond with Alexander Isak was broken the moment the striker downed tools to force through a sensational £125million move to Liverpool.
The Sweden star refused to train with Newcastle’s first team and sat out the opening three matches of the season before sealing his record switch to Anfield on deadline day.
Speaking for the first time since the saga ended, Howe confessed: “Alex and I always had a great relationship. I loved working with him. But when he went on strike things became very difficult. That was a turning point.”
Isak, 25, is the first major departure since Howe took charge nearly four years ago. Newcastle initially knocked back a £110m bid from Liverpool but relented once they had landed German forward Nick Woltemade for £69m and lined up Brentford’s Yoane Wissa.
The deal leaves Howe frustrated but determined to keep the rest of his stars. “We want to make Newcastle a home players love. Alex enjoyed it here but when Liverpool came in his mindset changed,” Howe explained.
The Magpies now face Wolves at St James’ Park on Saturday with striking options stretched. Wissa is ruled out with a knee injury, Anthony Gordon is suspended and Jacob Ramsey remains sidelined. That leaves Woltemade in line for a debut after his record switch from Stuttgart.
Newcastle endured setbacks chasing forwards such as Hugo Ekitike, Benjamin Sesko and Joao Pedro, forcing them to prioritise players desperate to wear the shirt. Howe said: “It is very difficult to work with players who do not want to be at the club. Desire is crucial. Look at Bruno Guimaraes, Dan Burn and Kieran Trippier they came when we were fighting relegation. That love for the club shines through.”
On Isak’s exit, Howe struck a reflective tone. “It was mutually beneficial. We helped him grow and he gave us incredible moments. But once he went on strike the dynamic changed. That was the reality.”