Newcastle United and Alexander Isak could be set to continue in what looks like an increasingly unhappy union until January at the very least.
Newcastle were willing to be pragmatic about Isak’s future but their stance is said to have hardened after he released a statement on Tuesday night.
Indeed, Newcastle will reportedly tell Isak he’s not joining Liverpool. Things, however, can always change during a transfer window and there have been suggestions that the Reds will bid again once Monday’s game at St James’ Park is over and done with.
Still, even despite the fact that Isak could theoretically leave Newcastle while the transfer window is open, Craig Hope of The Daily Mail shared some interesting insight.
- Who is Alexander Isak? The striker who burned his Newcastle United reputation to force £125m Liverpool transfer
Alexander Isak likely to stay at Newcastle United
Speaking on a video posted on YouTube on Friday, Hope did not absolutely rule out the possibility of Isak joining Liverpool.
He did, however, suggest that the chances of him heading to Anfield are seen as very remote.
“Could he still be sold to Liverpool? Could the deal happen? I would never commit to saying absolutely not given there are nine days of this window still to run,” he said.
“I do believe Liverpool, having come this far and having clearly given to some degree of encouragement and instruction by extension to Alexander Isak, they’re not going to just walk away from this.
“I still do believe they will return and test the water and try and push. It would have to take a hell of an offer for Newcastle to consider now but, as they said in the club statement, there are conditions of sale.
“And the conditions of sale that would have allowed them to consider that were the two strikers coming in and Liverpool returning with that acceptable offer.
“Now, none of that has been met so far. The club statement from Newcastle did leave the door ajar slightly to that.
“If all of a sudden Newcastle signed two strikers and Liverpool returned with a £150million+ offer, would Isak go in the final days of the window? Yes, I think he probably would.
“But the odds on that happening now guys are so remote. Remote was the word to me being used on Tuesday before the statements had dropped.”
Speaking about the events of Tuesday when both Isak and Newcastle released statements, Hope added: “I honestly think now guys, we’re almost certain that he does stay a Newcastle player even though that window remains open.”
Eddie Howe expects end of Alexander Isak saga soon
Eddie Howe has continually stressed that he sees a way back for Isak at Newcastle, despite the fact supporters appear to have turned on him.
It has been an unwelcome and damaging saga for the club. Even if Isak stays, it’s hard to see how it can be claimed as anything like a victory. It would be nice to have seen the club refuse to wilt in the face of pressure but Isak is clearly unhappy on Tyneside.
Speaking of Newcastle’s huge game against Liverpool on Monday, Howe revealed that the Isak saga could come to an end “soon”.
“It looks like it is coming to an end, or it will come to an end pretty quickly,” he said.
It’s not clear what the Newcastle United manager means by that. It now looks as if he’s set to stay but that will only be certain when the transfer window shuts.
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