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(Credit: Imago)

Jack Heath

Mon 18 August 2025 18:23, UK

Newcastle have to come to a decision on Alexander Isak says Richard Keys as the transfer window edges ever closer to shutting.

Amid ongoing links between Liverpool and Alexander Isak appearing to disturb the peace at St James’ Park, Eddie Howe’s side played quite well under the circumstances in a 0-0 draw with Aston Villa.

The Magpies dominated large portions of the game but could not find an opener, even after Ezri Konsa received a red card for a last ditch tackle on Anthony Gordon.

All the focus before the game was on whether Newcastle could cope without their Swedish talisman yet, it appeared that the Toon can manage in his absence with new signing from Nottingham Forest Anthony Elanga a major threat down the right-hand side.

With a matter of time before the end of the summer transfer window, the club must figure out what to do with their number 14 who is not content with staying on Tyneside as commentator Keys weighed in on the discussion.

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A hard-earned point at Villa Park for Newcastle

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Richard Keys (18 August) spoke on his blog about last weekend’s action, including the notable absence of the Swede from the match day squad against Aston Villa.

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The commentator understood the criticism the 25-year-old has faced this summer in wanting a move away but also posed an ultimatum to the Magpies on their current situation on what to do with the forward.

Key said: “Newcastle have had two really good offers.

[Alexander] Isak is unhappy.

“He’ll be a problem for as long as he’s at St James’ [Park] now.

Sell him for goodness sake.”

The former Real Sociedad forward wants out (Credit: Imago)

Football Insider verdict

Keys raised some valid points as to how the Toon manage the problematic situation and whether holding out for higher offers for the number 14 is the best play.

The Reds seem set on bringing the Sweden international to Anfield, yet, are they overlooking the presence of an already world-class striker in the form of Hugo Ekitike?

Signed from Eintracht Frankfurt for a reported £79m (Sky Sports), the Frenchman has begun life on Merseyside in sensational style.

Hugo Ekitike v Bournemouth (15 August)Minutes played72Shots (on target)4 (2)Goals1Assists1(Source: Sofascore)

Netting a goal and grabbing an assist in Liverpool’s 4-2 win against Bournemouth showed how exciting he could be with driven runs reminiscent of Fernando Torres.

However, if Arne Slot does land the signature of Isak, that would put the minutes of the number 22 at risk and would seriously hamper his development.

There is no doubt the Scandinavian is an outstanding striker and arguably one of the best on the planet, but do the Reds need to reach that deep into their pockets to bring him in when they have a young prodigy in the making?

I really don’t think so.

How the rest of the window plays out will be interesting but, from Newcastle’s perspective, it looks like their main forward will not be playing anytime soon amid the constant links with Anfield.

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