Newcastle star reportedly banned from training amid $226m Liverpool stalemate: Transfers

Alexander Isak’s future at Newcastle hangs in the balance after the Swedish striker was reportedly told to train apart from the rest of the squad on Wednesday.

The 25-year-old has been linked with a British transfer record move to Liverpool after failing to feature in Newcastle’s pre-season preparations.

Isak missed the Magpies’ trip to Singapore and South Korea, citing a minor thigh injury, and instead flew to Spain to train at former club Real Sociedad.

He has since returned to Tyneside but Sky Sports reported that Isak was instructed to train after the rest of the squad had departed on Wednesday.

“You have to earn the right to train with us. We are Newcastle United,” Howe told reporters earlier in pre-season.

“We will make sure that any player earns the right to train with the group. No player can expect to act poorly and train with the group as normal.”

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Liverpool have seen a £110 million (AU$226 million) bid for Isak rejected, according to reports, with Newcastle seeking closer to $308 million.

Another major hurdle to any deal is Newcastle’s ongoing struggles to finalise a deal to replace Isak.

They face competition from Manchester United for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko after missing out on Joao Pedro, Hugo Ekitike and Liam Delap earlier in the window.

Liverpool have already splashed out over $513 million this window on Ekitike, Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong.

However, they have also recouped major funds from the sales of Luis Diaz, Jarell Quansah, Caoimhin Kelleher, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Tyler Morton.

And Darwin Nunez is close to a $94 million move to Saudi side Al Hilal that would free up more resources and space in the squad for another bid to sign Isak.

Since joining Newcastle for $129 million in 2022, Isak has scored 62 times in 109 appearances, including the goal that secured the club’s first domestic trophy for 70 years in the League Cup final against Liverpool in March.

Newcastle United's Swedish striker Alexander Isak. Source: AFP

SON JOINS LAFC FROM TOTTENHAM

LAFC hailed the signing of a “global icon” on Wednesday after confirming the arrival of South Korea star Son Heung-min from Tottenham.

The 33-year-old will reportedly cost a Major League Soccer record US$26 million (AU$40 million) transfer fee, according to ESPN and The Athletic, after a decade in the Premier League where he became a household name.

An emotional Son announced on Saturday in his homeland that he would be leaving Spurs, just months after ending the club’s 17-year trophy drought by lifting the Europa League as captain.

He leaves as Tottenham’s fifth highest goalscorer of all-time with 173 goals in 454 appearances.

“Sonny is a global icon and one of the most dynamic and accomplished players in world football,” said LAFC co-president & general manager John Thorrington.

“We are proud that he has chosen Los Angeles for the next chapter of his extraordinary career.

“Sonny is a proven winner and a world-class individual, and we are confident he will elevate our club and inspire our community - both on and off the pitch.”

Son will replace French striker Olivier Giroud, who was sold to Lille in July, and will share a dressing room with French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, his former teammate at Tottenham.

“Sonny is one of the greatest players to ever wear the famous Lilywhite shirt and he has been a joy to watch over the past decade,” said Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy.

“Not only is he a wonderfully gifted footballer, but he’s also an incredible human being who has touched hearts and inspired people throughout the club and all over the world.

“The Europa League triumph in Bilbao was a truly magical moment in the club’s history and Sonny lifting the trophy is a perfect lasting memory from his fantastic decade at Tottenham Hotspur.”

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