Newcastle must stand by their Isak decision

Newcastle United have spent the past few weeks in a battle to keep star striker Alexander Isak, who has gone on strike amid an attempt to force a move through to reigning champions Liverpool. There is an implication from Isak’s camp that he will refuse to play for the club even if he fails in this attempt. But no matter what, Newcastle need to stand by their decision even if it means sitting on the player for the next 12 months.

Alexander Isak will NOT be in Newcastle's squad this weekend 🚨 pic.twitter.com/Usgm52b2ho

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 15, 2025

Calling Isak’s bluff?

For one, I think there is decent reason to believe that Isak is bluffing in his threat to never play for the club again. If a move fails to materialise, there is at least a non-zero chance he reneges on this pledge. The alternative for him would be to essentially take a full season off and then hope someone will come in again for him next summer. Obviously Newcastle would need to lower their asking price at that point, but Isak would also then be in a position of desperation, needing a move to happen to avoid a second full year with no football, which would surely do irreversible damage to his career. Making this even more risky is the fact that Liverpool renewing their interest next summer will be unlikely, regardless of how the coming season plays out.

To look weak is to be weak

Even ignoring this saga, Newcastle have had a torrid transfer window, missing out on target after target not only failing to acquire them but seeing them go to their direct rivals. The reputation of their project already hangs in the balance, a fact that will probably be motivating Isak’s desire to leave. But if Newcastle were to capitulate and lower their asking price to facilitate the sale to Liverpool, it would to me signal if not the death knell, then certainly a massive set-back in terms of the big picture of their project. To be bullied, even by the league champions, would send a message around the world that joining Newcastle is not a way to compete consistently for silverware. They would become a stepping-stone, the richest selling-club in the world.

Standing firm

For this reason, Newcastle should in my opinion give absolutely no leeway on the Isak issue. Either Liverpool pay up, or Isak stays, whether he chooses to play or not. Their project would be better off sitting on the liability of a protesting Isak than it would be kowtowing and making it known that they can and will be bullied by the current elite. Their failures in the window make it absolutely necessary that they stand their ground and show that they are serious about building the Magpies into a powerhouse of English football.