Howe says relationship with Isak changed after striker's 'strike' ahead of Liverpool move

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe said his relationship with Alexander Isak "changed" after the striker went on what the club described as a "strike" to force a move to Liverpool, a transfer that was completed on deadline day for a British-record £125 million.

Isak trained away from his team-mates and did not feature in Newcastle's opening three games of the season before finalising the move. Howe, speaking to reporters for the first time since the transfer, acknowledged that communication between the two men "became difficult" during that period.

"Alex and I always enjoyed a great relationship," Howe said. "I loved working with him. I hope he enjoyed working with us. It was mutually beneficial. We helped him become the player he in part is today and he helped us as a team achieve some unbelievable milestones and was part of a very successful team. The moment he went on strike our relationship did change and that was probably a turning point in our relationship."

Howe confirmed Newcastle had turned down an initial £110 million bid from Liverpool last month before accepting an improved offer late in the window. The sale followed Newcastle's recruitment moves, including the club-record signing of Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart and their pursuit of Yoane Wissa.

Isak, 25, is the first high-profile player Newcastle have sold since Howe took charge nearly four years ago. The manager stressed that Isak had "loved his time" at St James' Park and said the player's change of mind came after the offer from Liverpool emerged.

Newcastle navigated the opening weeks of the season without a senior striker and remain light up front for Saturday's Premier League visit of Wolves (15:00 BST). Wissa will miss the match with a knee issue, while Anthony Gordon is suspended and Jacob Ramsey is sidelined with an injury. Woltemade is expected to be available to make his debut after his £69 million move from Stuttgart last month.

Howe underlined the importance of recruiting players who are committed to the club. "It's absolutely crucial," he said. "It's very difficult to work with players that don't want to be at any football club. For me, it's one of the most important things you look for in a player, especially when recruiting players."

He pointed to successful signings such as Bruno Guimaraes, Dan Burn and Kieran Trippier — players who chose Newcastle despite the club's struggles in 2022 — as examples of acquisitions whose desire to join has benefited performances on the pitch. "All the successful transfers we have had since I have been here have been undoubted in their desire and want to sign for the football club," Howe added, saying that a player's attachment to the club "helps in their performance" and shows during difficult moments.

Howe said he hopes Newcastle can continue to create an environment that players want to join and remain at, while acknowledging the new reality after Isak's departure and the need to replenish attacking options following a turbulent transfer window.