Eddie Howe admits Newcastle rebuild still ongoing after £130m striker sale

Eddie Howe has admitted Newcastle United are still feeling the aftershocks of Alexander Isak’s explosive summer exit, as the club continue to reshape their attack months after the striker’s controversial move to Liverpool.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash at Anfield, Howe acknowledged that losing a player of Isak’s calibre inevitably altered Newcastle’s attacking dynamics -- and that the adaptation process is still ongoing.

Newcastle banked £130m for Isak after the Sweden international went on strike to force a transfer to Liverpool, a move completed shortly after the Reds’ dramatic 3-2 win at St James’ Park in August.

While the circumstances were fraught, Howe was unequivocal about Isak’s quality.

“Liverpool paid the money they did because he’s an outstanding footballer, an unbelievable talent,” Howe said. “We were privileged to have him for the years that we had him. We loved working with him.

“When you take that player away from your team, it’s going to change the dynamics, that’s for sure.”

Rather than attempting to replace Isak directly, Newcastle reinvested heavily, signing Nick Woltemade for a club-record £69m and Yoane Wissa in a £55m deal.

Howe admitted the challenge has been less about recruitment and more about integration.

“We’re still in that moment,” he said. “Not replacing him, but finding a player or players who can still make the team really effective.

“We’re still finding ways to get the best out of the new players that we’ve signed without training, with very minimal time to do any work with them.”

The Newcastle boss explained that video analysis and individual meetings have helped, but nothing compares to time on the training pitch.

“They’ve done really well and they’re trying to give the team the best that they have and we are trying to adapt.”

Isak’s first season on Merseyside has been disrupted by injury, with the striker currently sidelined after suffering a fractured fibula and ankle ligament damage.

Despite the rancour surrounding the transfer, Howe made it clear he has moved on, focusing instead on the task ahead rather than past disputes.

Attention now turns to Hugo Ekitike, the forward Newcastle had previously targeted as a potential Isak replacement — and the man they must now stop this weekend.

Howe made no secret of his admiration.

“He’s a very, very good player,” he said. “I tried to sign him twice. He’s got a bit of everything — movement, finishing with both feet, aerial ability, and he dribbles really well. He is a big talent.”

Newcastle head to Anfield buoyed by Wednesday night’s 1-1 Champions League draw away to holders Paris Saint-Germain, but injury concerns remain.

Captain Bruno Guimarães faces a late fitness test after an ankle issue, while Joelinton is expected to miss weeks rather than months following a specialist injection in Barcelona to address a groin problem.

Newcastle face a key test against Liverpool as they look to close the gap on the champions, whom they trail by three places and three points. Howe’s focus remains on accelerating the integration of his new forwards while navigating a demanding schedule with limited training time.

Have Newcastle done enough to move on from Alexander Isak — or is his absence still defining their season?