The Premier League season is rapidly approaching, and this fact has to be deeply unsettling to Newcastle United supporters. That’s because their talisman, Alexander Isak, has been asked to train alone, away from the rest of the squad. Isak has been isolated because his future with the club is completely up in the air right now.
The Swedish striker was subject to a big money bid from Liverpool, but the club rejected it.
Newcastle United vs Espanyol FYIs
Competition: Preseason club friendly
Newcastle United Preview Material: Starting XI Prediction Team News
Kickoff time: Friday Aug 8, 7:30 PM GMT
Location: St. James’ Park, Newcastle, UK
Newcastle United Team News
Newcastle apparently do not want to part ways with Isak unless they can get a replacement lined up, and that target is Benjamin Sesko.
The RB Leipzig striker is currently the subject of a bidding war between Newcastle and Manchester United, and once we know how that situation resolves itself, then we’ll know what will become of Isak.
The transfer window domino theory holds that Liverpool will be back to come grab Isak if/when Newcastle land Sesko.
No matter what the case, Isak is not featuring against Espanyol on Friday.
Nor will he against Atletico Madrid on Saturday.
Joe Willock will miss out too; due to injury. However, Sven Botman is only a doubt here, and not ruled out.
So he has a chance of featuring in this one. And then finally, newly acquired goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale should make his Magpies debut here. He moved over on season long loan from Southampton.
Paul M. Banks is the Founding Editor of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He currently contributes to USA Today’s NFL Wires Network. His past bylines include the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune. His work has been featured in numerous outlets, including the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, the Washington Post and ESPN. You can follow him on Linked In and Twitter