Alexander Isak transfer saga 'puts strain' on Eddie Howe relationship with Liverpool duo
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Alexander Isak’s transfer to Liverpool has reportedly strained the relationship between the club’s transfer chiefs and Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.
After a long and dramatic saga, Isak finally got his wish on deadline deal as he sealed a $169 million move to Anfield, breaking the Premier League’s transfer record in the process after Florian Wirtz’s switch to Merseyside earlier in the summer.
The move came after Isak’s attempts to secure a transfer had dominated headlines for weeks, although it wasn’t until the final throes of the window that the transfer became a reality, after Newcastle had stood firm for so long.
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Howe regularly found himself having to address questions over the striker’s future after he was forced to train alone, with reports suggesting Isak refused to play again for Newcastle.
According to The Athletic, the saga took a toll on Howe’s relationship with Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes and FSG CEO of Football Michael Edwards.
Howe had remained friends with both since their time together at Portsmouth in the early 2000s, while he also worked closely alongside Hughes at Bournemouth, but it’s claimed that he “felt bruised” at seeing the pair driving the pursuit for Isak.
Alexander Isak completed his move to Liverpool on deadline day
(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Despite the obvious friction, senior figures at both clubs are said to have downplayed any suggestions of a falling out, with Anfield sources indicating that they’re satisfied with the manner in which they conducted themselves.
Emotions have run high this summer though, with Newcastle fans making their feelings on Isak clear on a number of occasions before his departure, while there was a hostile atmosphere during the two teams’ meeting at St James’ Park last month, which saw Liverpool win 3-2 after Anthony Gordon was sent off.
Even now with Isak having now signed a six-year deal at Anfield, the bad blood continues, with the player’s agent Vlado Lemic having sent a parting shot to Newcastle when he said: "It's nice when you have someone to be with, but it's even nicer when you know who you'll never be with again."
Nevertheless, Isak would go on to send a fond farewell to the Magpies on social media.
"I want to express my gratitude to my teammates, the staff, and above all, the city of Newcastle and all the amazing supporters for the three unforgettable years we shared together,” Isak wrote.
"Together, we have written history and brought the club to the place where it truly belongs