With just over two weeks until the transfer window closes on September 1st, the future of Alexander Isak is one of the biggest talking points in English football. The Newcastle United striker has been left out of the squad, and his absence has only intensified speculation that he could be on his way to Liverpool before deadline day.

Eddie Howe admitted in his press conference that Isak’s future is “out of his hands,” a rare statement that underlines the uncertainty surrounding the situation. For Newcastle, it is a nightmare scenario. The club lost Callum Wilson earlier this summer, leaving them short of options in attack. In their most recent outing, Anthony Gordon was forced to play as a makeshift centre-forward, with little depth available on the bench. For a team competing in both the Premier League and Champions League, this simply isn’t sustainable.

The expectation among pundits is that Isak will get his move, with Liverpool now viewed as his most likely destination. Reports suggest his head has been turned, and that he is pushing behind the scenes to secure the transfer. While Isak has not spoken publicly to confirm or deny these claims, his silence has drawn criticism. Many feel the striker’s reputation on Tyneside is at risk, with some arguing that the legacy he built after firing Newcastle to their first trophy in decades is quickly being eroded.

From Newcastle’s perspective, however, the key factor is money. Financial Fair Play restrictions have hampered their ability to spend, and selling Isak would give them much-needed flexibility. The club are understood to be holding out for around £150 million, a figure that reflects both his importance to the team and his value on the transfer market. If Liverpool are willing to meet that price, it is difficult to see Newcastle standing in the way of the move.

In the meantime, attention has turned to potential replacements. Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, who scored 19 Premier League goals last season, has been heavily linked. Wissa impressed alongside Ivan Toney at Brentford, but there are doubts over whether he can deliver at the highest level without his strike partner. For Newcastle, it would represent a gamble — but one they may be forced to take if Isak departs.

Behind the scenes, the situation has been made even more difficult by instability at the top of the club. Sporting director Paul Mitchell has departed, while CEO Darren Eales is serving notice due to ill health. That has left Eddie Howe largely isolated in dealing with the transfer window, adding further strain to an already challenging summer.

As things stand, it feels inevitable that Isak will leave. The only question is whether Liverpool can meet Newcastle’s valuation before the deadline. For Howe, the priority now is clear: if his star striker goes, he must move quickly to secure a replacement. Otherwise, Newcastle risk entering a crucial season with a squad ill-equipped to compete at the highest level.