Jacob Murphy breaks silence on Alexander Isak potentially leaving Newcastle United

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Jacob Murphy and Alexander Isak produced quite the partnership at Newcastle United last season but it could soon be over.

Isak has asked to leave Newcastle United this summer, having grown frustrated by the lack of progress off the pitch. 

The striker was also disappointed that he didn’t get a new contract in 2024, and now wants to leave St James’ Park amid interest from Liverpool. 

Liverpool are set to bid for Isak, though Newcastle remain in a strong position because he still has three years left on his contract. 

Isak and Murphy combined for seven Premier League goals last season and now the Newcastle United winger has spoken. 

• Who is Jacob Murphy? The Newcastle United star who has transformed under Eddie Howe

Jacob Murphy gives verdict on Alexander Isak potentially leaving Newcastle United  

Murphy scored in Sunday’s 3-2 pre-season defeat to Arsenal. 

The Newcastle star was then asked about Isak’s absence from the pre-season tour of Asia. Officially, the Sweden international is out of it because of a minor thigh injury.  

Murphy insists Eddie Howe’s side are only focused on the players who are on the tour, and highlighted forwards William Osula and Sean Neave.  

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“We just concentrate on who’s here,” he told Stadium Astro.

“Yeah, we got great players still here. William Osula has been great leading the line for us and Sean Neave has been really good in training.

“He showed a lot of really good glimpses in training. So yeah, we’re focused on who’s here and yeah we’re enjoying ourselves. We’re enjoying pre-season.” 

Jacob Murphy will be gutted to see Alexander Isak leave

It’s a diplomatic answer from Murphy, who couldn’t really have responded any other way.

Still, it’s not hard to imagine the 30-year-old being hugely disappointed if Isak were to go. The two have built a brilliant partnership, and part of Murphy’s huge Premier League assists haul of 12 during the 2024/25 campaign was thanks to Isak’s fine finishing. 

It would have been fantastic to see how they develop it further, particularly with Anthony Elanga also thrown into the mix.

Still, Isak has decided he wants to go. He cannot be blamed for wanting to depart, although the manner in which this rather ugly saga has played out is hugely disappointing for the club.