28/08/2025

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THURSDAY | AUG 28, 2025

Malaysian Paper

Time for compromise compromise Newcastle need pragmatic solution to Isak problem A BOUT a quarter of an hour after the breathless conclu sion to a crazy game, Yasir al-Rumayyan made his way without him. Meanwhile, Newcastle are being dragged ever deeper into a striking equivalent of quicksand, their plight worsening as they try to get out. Two words – what if? – could figure prominently. another misjudgement in a list of plenty. Newcastle, as Howe often notes, have not replaced him. because a lot of the players will have moved,” reflected Howe. Ű BY RICHARD JOLLY

the team, the carrot of Champions League football, the specialness of St. James’ Park on Monday night. Moreover, they had a longstanding interest in Hugo Ekitike; but so did Liverpool. Benjamin Sesko may yet wonder if he made the right choice in opting for Manchester United. But given Isak’s excellence, there is a select number of players Newcastle could have plausibly unveiled as his successor. Sesko? Yes. Ekitike? Definitely. Nicolas Jackson? Definitely not; Chelsea’s third-choice striker is an erratic finisher who can be a disciplinary liability. Which, at times, it seems as though Newcastle already have in Anthony Gordon. It is understandable if Howe has tired of this transfer window. He doesn’t want its lengthiest saga to go to the final day.

“But we have to be careful we don’t make a decision that impacts the long term.” There has been a suggestion Newcastle should have stayed in their lane; not shown ambition; not talent. That feels unfair, given the standard o f targeted

Meanwhile, they are flailing around, seeing bids for Yoane Wissa and Jorgen Strand Larsen rejected. Each is a fine player but the prices already look excessive. The economics

into and up the Milburn Stand. The name is proof Newcastle United celebrate their goalscorers, just as the statue of Alan Shearer is. But this summer has been dominated by a forward who, if he gets his way, won’t end up with a double century of Newcastle goals. The landscape of St. James’ Park now includes the pitchside hoardings advertising the Saudi Public Investment Fund. Yasir is its governor as well as Newcastle’s chairman. His various duties mean he is an infrequent sight at their games. He picked an August meeting with Liverpool to attend. “I don’t know why he is here,” said Eddie Howe, before quickly pivoting to say his presence was appreciated. It was nevertheless an illustration that Howe has been sidelined in a saga. He will not determine Alexander Isak’s future. He was unaware whether directors Jamie Reuben and Jacobo Solis had met the sulking striker on Monday. He was concentrating on those players still actually at his disposal. “Naturally, I want players that are committed to Newcastle,” he said, having received a sweat soaked illustration that the rest are. Perhaps it was a hint that, if Howe had his way, Isak would be sold. That might be a hard-headed recognition that things have gone beyond the point of no return. Isak clearly underestimated the difficulties of extricating himself from Newcastle, but he has had a destabilising effect that some may find hard to forgive. The unity Howe prizes was demonstrated in the striker’s absence. The goals Isak delivers have been in shorter supply

Callum Wilson, now on the bench at West Ham, may think that if he had just re-signed at Newcastle, he would be starting for a rather

of a deal shift in the last few days of a window. So, too, the reality that a shopping list now reflects who is left on the shelves. “Your names at the beginning and end of the window are always very different

b e t t e r t e a m now. It could be

“We want clarity, we want to move forward, and we want the narrative to change,” he said. Which, as it has done for a while, requires something to change. Instead, the clock has ticked down. No one has benefited. Still more than before, Newcastle need the

pragmatic compromise of Isak staying for the season, perhaps in return for a guaranteed exit next summer. But Isak could need the return to first

team football that might necessitate repentance and reintegration if Newcastle refuse to sell. Because, for now, accepting Liverpool’s offer would bring a vast sum of money but would still leave the club with other problems. – The Independent

Eddie Howe (left) and Alexander Isak. – REUTERSPIC

‘Nothing to prove’

- Story on page 27

- Story on page 28

- Story on page 29

St Ruthless Sinner

Go slow with Rio

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