Striker keeps No. 14 shirt but vows not to play for Magpies again amid Liverpool transfer drama

Newcastle United have confirmed their squad numbers for the new Premier League season, with Alexander Isak retaining the No. 14 shirt he has worn since his £63 million arrival from Real Sociedad in 2022. But behind the scenes, the Sweden international’s relationship with the club appears to be fractured beyond repair.

According to a report from The Athletic, Isak has made it clear he will never play for Newcastle again, even if his much-anticipated move to Liverpool fails to materialise before the transfer window closes. Sources close to the striker claim he has “no desire” to reintegrate into Eddie Howe’s squad, viewing his career at St James’ Park as “finished.”

The situation comes amid sustained Liverpool interest. The Merseyside club had a £110 million bid rejected earlier this summer, but the standoff has escalated after Isak withdrew from Newcastle’s pre-season tour of Singapore and South Korea, citing a thigh injury. While the official line was that he was unavailable, Howe revealed last weekend that the forward is fit — but had indicated a wish to explore his options elsewhere.

“I think I’ve said many times, he is contracted to us. He’s our player. The club basically make the decision on his future. I don’t know what that will be,” Howe told reporters. “Of course, I have a preferred outcome on the best and strongest squad possible, but I also want players that really want to play for this football club.”

Isak’s inclusion in the official squad list contrasts with the approach taken by Chelsea, who have publicly signalled which players are surplus to requirements. The Blues have omitted Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi from their new squad announcement and even stripped Ben Chilwell of his shirt number. Newcastle, by contrast, have made no such public statement about Isak’s status — a decision that could be a tactical attempt to maintain negotiating leverage.

Since joining Newcastle, Isak has been one of their most potent attacking threats, but his potential departure comes at a delicate moment for the club. The Magpies are already searching for a long-term successor to Callum Wilson, whose injury record has made his availability unpredictable. Newcastle have attempted to bring in reinforcements this summer, targeting Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko, but missed out on both — with Ekitike joining Liverpool and Sesko opting for Manchester United.

The Tyneside club remain in pursuit of Brentford forward Yoane Wissa, but insiders say they will not sanction Isak’s exit without securing an adequate replacement first. This creates a tense deadlock: Isak wants out, Liverpool remain interested, but Newcastle’s recruitment challenges could delay or derail the transfer.

The 24-year-old’s stance marks a significant turning point. His willingness to sit out matches and train alone until a move is secured could increase pressure on Newcastle’s hierarchy, though the club are determined not to be bullied into a cut-price sale. Liverpool, meanwhile, are playing a patient game, confident that Isak’s determination to leave will eventually work in their favour.

One confirmed departure from Newcastle this week is Greek goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos, who has joined Sevilla on a season-long loan. For now, however, all eyes remain on the Isak saga — and whether this summer’s most dramatic Premier League transfer story will end with him in red or still reluctantly wearing black and white.