Alexander Isak caused friction between Eddie Howe and friends before Liverpool transfer

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The Alexander Isak transfer saga has taken its toll on Eddie Howe(Image: Getty Images)

Alexander Isak's record-breaking move from Newcastle to Liverpool caused a considerable stir, straining both professional and personal relationships.

The striker's aggressive push for the move damaged long-standing ties between Newcastle manager Eddie Howe and two of Liverpool's key figures, sporting director Richard Hughes and CEO of football Michael Edwards.

The trio's bond dates back to the early 2000s at Portsmouth, where Howe and Hughes were team-mates for two years.



Edwards, meanwhile, maintained a professional rapport with both before later linking up with Hughes at Anfield.

Liverpool's pursuit of Isak tested Howe's relationship with both former co-workers.

Liverpool, under the meticulous guidance of Hughes and Edwards, saw an opportunity to pounce.

Alexander Isak began pushing for a move away at the end of last season(Image: Getty Images)

The transfer saga began at a relatively slow pace.

Newcastle stood firm, a decision that, in retrospect, has proven costly, with both Ekitike and Isak now on Merseyside.

Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes worked with Eddie Howe at Portsmouth(Image: Getty Images)

According to The Athletic, Howe felt somewhat blindsided not only by Liverpool's approach for the 25-year-old but also by their hostile attempt to destabilise the club and scupper their recruitment plans.

Newcastle's hierarchy, backed by their Saudi-led ownership, initially resisted Liverpool's advances, rejecting an initial £110million bid and setting a sky-high valuation, £150m, to deter suitors.

He was left out of Newcastle's opening Premier League fixtures and with just days to go in the window, issued a scathing statement, citing broken promises and a loss of a trust, before claiming his relationship with the Magpies "could not continue".

Eddie Howe's relationship with Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards has taken a hit(Image: Newcastle United via Getty Image)

Newcastle responded with a defiant statement of their own, insisting that Isak would not be sold unless their valuation was met.