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Isak returns to Newcastle with Liverpool
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Alexander Isak returns to Newcastle with Liverpool on Sunday, facing a hostile St James' Park. The £125m striker seeks to reignite his career after a tough first season.
Background
Isak left Newcastle for Liverpool last summer in a £125m British record move after a bitter stand-off, refusing to train to force the transfer. Newcastle fans felt betrayed, and his first season at Liverpool was hampered by a lack of pre-season and a serious injury. Now he returns for the first time, with both clubs under new managers, and he needs to prove his worth.
How it unfolded
- Summer 2025Isak pushed for a move to Liverpool, refusing to rejoin Newcastle for pre-season, and eventually completed a £125m British record transfer on deadline day.
- 2025 -26 seasonIsak struggled at Liverpool due to a lack of pre-season and a serious mid-campaign injury, limiting his impact.
- Aug 2026Ahead of the Premier League opener, Isak returns to St James' Park for the first time, expected to receive a hostile reception from Newcastle fans.
- Sun, 23 Aug 2026Newcastle fans launch abuse at Isak as he arrives for the match, which kicks off at 4.30pm and is live on Sky Sports.
Who’s saying what
- Newcastle fans
- Supporters feel betrayed by Isak's push for a move and will make their feelings known with a hostile reception.
- Liverpool boss Iraola
- Iraola says Isak will be full of motivation and wants to make his mark to ignite his career at Liverpool.