(Credit: Imago/Getty Images)

Callum O'Connell

Tue 12 August 2025 12:38, UK

Alexander Isak risks being in breach of contract at Newcastle United if he refuses to play for Eddie Howe’s side beyond the summer transfer window.

Transfer Expert: Brighton star 'wants to join' Man United	Former England footballer John Barnes 'faces threat of bankruptcy' - two months after racking up debts of £1.5MILLION in media firm	Sources: Newcastle make Alexander Isak exit decision after latest set back

That is according to former Man United and Sunderland chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Newcastle are refusing to budge on their demands for the 25-year-old.

This comes after reports [David Ornstein] claimed the striker, who has three years remaining on his deal, is insisting he will never play for the club again.

Football Insider revealed on 11 August that Newcastle have no intention of selling Isak if they are unable to bring in a top-class forward before the window closes.

Alexander Isak is hoping to join Liverpool this summer.

(Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media)

Having missed out on deals for Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko, Howe’s side have maintained their stance that the striker is not for sale regardless of his desire to leave.

That is despite him having made clear his desire to leave atfer Football Insider warned on 18 July that Isak is looking to force through a move to Liverpool.

This article contains exclusive comment from Mick Brown, a football transfer expert and former chief scout for Man United and Sunderland among others.

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Football Insider revealed on 3 August that Newcastle want to resolve Isak’s future as soon as possible to put an end to the speculation surrounding the club.

Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that Liverpool must pay the Magpies asking price as they will not be held to ransom.

“He can’t just refuse to train or play, that’s not how it works,” he told Football Insider.

“He’ll be in breach of his contract if he does and that won’t be good for anybody.

“Refusing to play on the grounds that he wants to go to Liverpool and the club won’t accept an offer is not feasible, to be honest.

Eddie Howe and Newcastle are standing firm on their valuation of Isak.

(Credit: Imago)

“Newcastle won’t be held to ransom, they’ve named their asking price and now it’s up to Liverpool to pay the money they’re being asked for.

“Everybody knows the situation, he wants to leave, Liverpool want to sign him, but Newcastle don’t want to lose him because of his importance to the team.

“If the right offer comes, they’ll accept it, but it’s all gone very sour.

“Newcastle gave him his shot at the Premier League in the first place and he’s been happy to be part of everything they’ve done in recent years.

“Now he’s looking to drop them off the side of the boat, so I feel sorry for them.”

As speculation about Isak’s future continues to rumble on, Howe’s side have set their sights on a number of potential targets to replace the Sweden international.

Football Insider revealed on 12 August that Newcastle are in the race for Nicolas Jackson, but have been joined by four other clubs interested in the Chelsea forward.

Newcastle are considering signing Nicolas Jackson.

(Credit: Imago)

Aston Villa, Bayern Munich, AC Milan and Juventus are also considering moves for the Senegal striker in the late stages of the window.

This comes after Football Insider revealed last month that Jackson is unhappy at Chelsea following the arrivals of Joao Pedro and Liam Delap and could look for a way out.

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