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Alexander Isak Saga Fuels Fire As Liverpool Clash With Newcastle At St James’ Park

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Source: Fabrizio Romano on X {https://x.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1957894852806344985/photo/1}

It’s only Newcastle United’s first home game of the season, but the mood around St James’ Park already feels like something out of a cup final. Bank holiday, defending champions Liverpool in town, and 50,000 Geordies roaring their team on the perfect storm.

What has cranked up the drama even more? The Alexander Isak transfer saga.

Isak’s Uncertain Future

The Swedish striker has made no secret of his desire to join Liverpool, and the speculation has hung over Tyneside like storm clouds all week. For Eddie Howe, the job now is to block out the noise and keep his squad focused.

“We’ve got to concentrate on what we need to do and not get too emotional, but use the energy from the crowd,” Howe said.

Newcastle fans know that feeling well. Since Howe took charge in 2021, St James’ has become a fortress. Against English football’s big six last season, Newcastle didn’t lose once at home a record that still has locals buzzing with pride.

Fans Caught In The Middle

That pride is now being tested. Supporter group Wor Flags, famous for their huge pre-match displays, admitted it’s been tough to set the right tone with Isak’s future uncertain.

Thomas Concannon, a lifelong fan and Wor Flags volunteer, said the group wanted to “back the lads on the pitch” above all else. “It feels absolutely huge. It feels like there’s more riding on it than just three points. It’s like Newcastle are going into a game with a massive rival.”

Social media has been just as divided. Some fans say Isak’s exit is inevitable, others believe Newcastle must hold their ground. Either way, Monday night is about more than one player it’s about Geordie pride.

Ekitike’s First Taste Of Tyneside

Adding another layer to the narrative is Hugo Ekitike. The French striker, long admired by Newcastle, chose Liverpool instead last month in a £69m move. Howe has tracked him for years, even attempting to sign him on three separate occasions.

Ekitike’s qualities pace, aerial ability, goals with both feet are no secret. Former coach Oscar Garcia once called him a “rare striker for his age” with the versatility to fit any system. Liverpool fans are eager to see whether he can live up to that billing in the Premier League.

For Newcastle supporters, his presence will sting just a little, knowing how close he was to becoming one of their own.

Race Against Time

Missing out on Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko, who went to Manchester United, has left Newcastle scrambling for a replacement before the transfer window closes. If Isak departs without a proper successor in place, the Magpies could be in real trouble up front.

For now, club bosses insist they don’t expect the “conditions” for an Isak sale to be met, but Liverpool’s interest still looms. One serious bid could yet force Newcastle into a decision they don’t want to make.

Slot Braces For Intensity

Liverpool manager Arne Slot isn’t focusing on transfer talk. He knows what awaits his side.

“If you go to Newcastle, you know what to expect,” he said. “Their intensity was above ours in every meeting last season. They don’t need anything extra to raise their levels at St James’ Park.”

For Geordies, Monday night isn’t just football it’s theatre. With the flags, the noise, and the tension of the Isak saga, this one already feels bigger than three points.

Source:ESPN Africa

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