Alexander Isak says he has not spoken to Eddie Howe since forcing his record-breaking move from Newcastle United to Liverpool — and has no plans to do so.
Speaking at a Sweden press conference ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Switzerland, per ESPN, Isak dismissed the idea of any lingering dialogue with his former manager.
“It’s nothing I want to dwell on now. It doesn’t benefit anyone, neither me nor Newcastle, so let it be,” Isak said.
When asked directly if he has spoken to Howe since his
departure, he replied simply: “No.”
Isak’s exit came after a turbulent summer in which he refused to train for much of the preseason to accelerate his transfer. Liverpool eventually paid a British-record fee to sign him on deadline day, ending months of tension at St James’ Park.
Now 26, the striker has struggled to find form under Arne Slot, registering just one goal and one assist in six appearances.
“I’m working hard to push myself and play my game,” Isak said. “Things have been a bit tougher for us. I believe that as the team improves and things start to flow better, it will also go better for me.”
Meanwhile, at Newcastle, Isak’s replacement Nick Woltemade has thrived. The £69 million signing from Stuttgart has already scored four goals across competitions, helping vindicate the club’s decision to move on.
As for Isak, he appears content to close the chapter on his Newcastle stint.
“I’ve had a lot more playing time and things have calmed down. I feel in a much better position now than last time,” Isak said.
But the contrast between his slow start on Merseyside and Woltemade’s impact on Tyneside is already drawing comparisons between the two strikers and their respective clubs’ trajectories.
