Newcastle United began their 2025/26 Premier League campaign with a 0-0 draw against Aston Villa, a match where their attacking prowess was evident but ultimately fruitless. The absence of star striker Alexander Isak loomed large, with fans making their feelings known about the situation during a post-match interview.
Isak's absence from the squad stems from heavy transfer interest from Liverpool, creating friction with manager Eddie Howe and disrupting the team's plans. Reports indicate a breakdown in communication between the player and coaching staff due to the uncertainty surrounding his future. Newcastle reportedly rejected a bid of £110m plus add-ons from Liverpool for Isak. The 25-year-old also missed Newcastle's pre-season tour of Asia and is still training away from the first team.
Despite the ongoing transfer saga, Howe has stated that Isak could still be a Newcastle player after the transfer window closes on September 1. However, the club is also exploring potential replacements, with Paris Saint-Germain forward Goncalo Ramos and Brentford's Yoane Wissa mentioned as possible targets.
In Isak's absence, Anthony Gordon started as the central striker. While Gordon put in a shift, Newcastle lacked the cutting edge that Isak provides. Isak led Newcastle's scoring charts last season with 27 goals in 42 appearances. Overall, he has 62 goals and 11 assists for the Magpies. His defining moment came when he scored the decisive goal against Liverpool in the League Cup final, securing Newcastle's first silverware in over seven decades.
The match against Aston Villa saw Newcastle dominate, especially after Ezri Konsa's sending off in the second half. However, they failed to capitalize on their chances. The lack of a natural finisher like Isak was keenly felt, highlighting his importance to the team.
The draw against Aston Villa underscores the potential impact of the Isak situation on Newcastle's season. While the team displayed moments of brilliance, the failure to secure all three points could be attributed to the absence of their star striker. The club will need to resolve the Isak transfer saga quickly, either by convincing him to stay or by bringing in a suitable replacement, to ensure they can compete effectively throughout the season.
