Newcastle United will kick off the new Premier League season on Saturday without the striker who scored 23 league goals last season. Alexander Isak’s absence against Aston Villa has nothing to do with an injury, but everything to do with his transfer situation.
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Newcastle United will kick off their 2025/26 Premier League campaign this Saturday in a challenging away fixture against Aston Villa, but they will do so without one of their most influential players.
Alexander Isak, the Swedish international who scored an impressive 23 league goals last season and played a pivotal role in Newcastle’s attack, will not be part of the squad for reasons entirely unrelated to injury. Instead, his absence is tied to an increasingly tense transfer situation that has overshadowed the build-up to the Magpies’ season opener.
Speaking at Friday morning’s pre-match press conference ahead of the clash at Villa Park, scheduled for 13:30 on 16 August 2025, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe confirmed that there had been no change in Isak’s status in recent weeks. The striker, who previously played for Dutch side Willem II before rising to prominence in England, is currently not training with the first team and will not feature in the squad against Aston Villa. For Newcastle supporters, it is a significant blow ahead of such a high-profile match, given Isak’s clinical finishing and ability to turn tight games in the club’s favour.
Isak’s absence stems from his desire to complete a move to reigning Premier League champions Liverpool. The transfer saga has become one of the most talked-about stories of the summer in English football, with speculation intensifying as the new season draws closer. Reports suggest that Isak has made it clear to the Newcastle hierarchy that he will not return to the pitch for the club unless a deal is struck. Adding fuel to the speculation, the player’s property has reportedly been listed on the UK’s equivalent of Funda, the popular Dutch housing site a move widely interpreted as a signal of his intent to leave.
“The situation has not changed,” Howe stated firmly when asked whether there had been any progress or reconciliation between club and player. “I am fully focused on Aston Villa. Isak’s situation is completely clear, and that’s how it will remain for the time being.” His comments left little doubt that, for now, Newcastle will have to plan without their star forward.
Howe did not hide his disappointment over the turn of events, calling the situation “a shame” given the strong professional bond he had built with the player. “I have had a great relationship with him, and that’s what you need with every player,” Howe explained. “You have to be close to the action for the player to benefit from your instructions. I always want to be there for him. I don’t think Isak would have done as well without that support from me, his teammates, and the fans. He recognises that too Isak is intelligent.”
In an attempt to bolster their attacking options ahead of the new season, Newcastle have already brought in William Osula during this transfer window. The Danish-born English striker arrives at St. James’ Park with potential, but on paper, his record does not compare to that of Isak. While Isak has netted an outstanding 54 goals in just 86 Premier League appearances, Osula has managed a single goal in 35 matches. For Howe, this means a significant tactical reshuffle may be required for the Aston Villa match, as Osula and other attacking players will need to step up immediately in the absence of Newcastle’s main goal threat.
Meanwhile, speculation in Italy has linked Serbian forward Dusan Vlahovic with a move to Newcastle as a potential replacement should Isak depart. The Juventus striker, known for his physical presence and finishing ability, would fit the profile of a marquee signing to fill the void. However, with the Premier League season now underway, the clock is ticking for Newcastle to resolve the situation, whether by securing Isak’s commitment or completing a high-profile transfer before the window closes.
As the Magpies prepare to face Aston Villa, the focus will inevitably be split between events on the pitch and developments off it. Howe’s side will need to navigate a tricky opening fixture without their most reliable scorer, while supporters and pundits alike will be watching closely to see whether the Isak saga reaches a resolution in the coming weeks and whether it will leave Newcastle stronger, weaker, or simply in a state of transition at a time when stability is crucial.
Updated: 12:01, 15 Aug 2025
