Eddie Howe reveals “turning point” in relationship with Alexander Isak

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After a summer-long transfer saga that didn’t conclude until the 11th hour on deadline day, Alexander Isak’s switch to Liverpool FC continues to raise eyebrows — not for the drama that preceded it, but for the scant minutes the Swedish striker has logged on the pitch since the 2024/25 season drew to a close.

Isak’s arrival in Merseyside for a British-record outlay was officially rubber-stamped with mere hours remaining in the window, capping months of negotiation between Newcastle United and Liverpool.

The last time Isak saw more than a token cameo was on May 25, 2025, when he completed the full 90 minutes against Everton for Newcastle — his final club outing before the summer exodus.

Subsequent appearances total just 18 minutes, coming as a late substitute for Sweden against Kosovo on Monday, marking his first competitive action in 106 days.

Arne Slot has already suggested that fans shouldnt expect to see too much of Isak against Burnley this Sunday.

But Eddie Howe, speaking in his own press conference ahead of Wolves tomorrow afternoon, has revealed how his relationship with Isak started to change:

“The moment he went on strike the relationship changed.

And yeah, I think that was the turning point in our relationship,” he said.

“Communication became difficult from that point onwards.”

He added:

“Alex and I always enjoyed a great relationship.”

“I loved working with him and hope that he loved working with us.

We hope it was mutually beneficial; we helped him as a player, and he helped us as a team.”

“We helped him become the player who departed us, and he helped us achieve some important milestones?

He was part of a very successful team.”

Newcastle’s medical staff had harboured significant reservations about Isak’s physical condition before his departure and had reportedly drawn up a fitness plan for him in case he ended up being reintegrated in Eddie Howe’s side.

Arne Slot has urged for patience regarding the gradual introduction of Isak to this Liverpool team.

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