Revealed: Why Alexander Isak 'doubts' Newcastle project with star striker hoping to secure move to Liverpool

Newcastle United FC v Everton FC - Premier League

Newcastle United’s star striker Alexander Isak is not alone in feeling disillusioned with the club’s current trajectory. Reports have emerged suggesting that several members of the squad are losing faith in the club’s supposedly ambitious plans, many of which were central to the vision laid out by owners, the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF), after their high-profile takeover in 2021.

WHAT HAPPENED?

The end of the 2024-25 campaign brought a wave of optimism to Tyneside as Newcastle secured a coveted Champions League spot, while they had also secured their first trophy in generations with victory in the Carabao Cup. That success, however, seems like a distant memory. Instead of building on that progress, the club has stumbled in the transfer market and failed to reinforce key positions, leading to a notable drop in morale.

Alexander-Isak

THE BIGGER PICTURE

According to the Daily Mail, one of PIF’s cornerstone promises after their acquisition of the club was the development of a new training complex designed to host both senior and youth squads. In January, it was widely reported that the owners were preparing to appoint architects for a state-of-the-art facility that would modernise Newcastle’s infrastructure and appeal to future signings.

However, that vision appears to have been scaled back. In April, the club announced instead that it would upgrade its current training ground, with work expected to finish by next summer. While such redevelopment is still an improvement, it has left many players, including new signings, disappointed after being sold a more ambitious vision.

TELL ME MORE

Isak is eager to move on and the 24-year-old Swede is understood to have reached a personal agreement with Premier League champions Liverpool on a five-year deal. Moreover, Newcastle’s inability to land several of their summer transfer targets has only added fuel to the fire. High-profile pursuits of players such as Bryan Mbeumo, Hugo Ekitike and Joao Pedro all ended unsuccessfully.

DID YOU KNOW?

Several players have quietly questioned the board’s ability to deliver on its promises, raising concerns about transparency and long-term commitment, and Isak is not alone in feeling dejected. Adding to this sense of alienation is a reported incident following Newcastle’s Carabao Cup victory in March. Players were said to be "surprised" and disappointed that no board members made an appearance at the training ground to celebrate the milestone.

Newcastle United FC v Brentford FC - Premier League

WHAT NEXT FOR NEWCASTLE?

Newcastle are at least close to securing another summer signing, with Aaron Ramsdale set to join on an initial loan from Southampton. What happens next with Isak remains to be seen.