Eddie Howe and Alexander Isak chat changed everything and led to Liverpool transfer

Eddie Howe's pep talk with Alexander Isak last season helped inspire the then Newcastle frontman to produce some record-breaking exploits with his form eventually leading to his Liverpool switch.

Isak, internally, was a frustrated figure at the start of last season and that manifested itself on the pitch. The Swede managed just one goal from his opening seven games and that slow start rang alarm bells with his former head coach who pulled him to one side.

Howe has forged a reputation for being good with his man management and he told Isak, whose lofty ambitions were clear to see, that if he wanted to be viewed as an elite player then he had to start showing it, reports the Telegraph.

Not long after that and Isak was producing impressive numbers. He went on a run that saw him score 11 times in eight top flight games, scoring in each of those fixtures. That was enough to break Alan Shearer's record of seven on the bounce when he first joined the Magpies in 1996.

One of those strikes was a stunning long range effort against Liverpool in a 3-3 draw at St James' Park and not long after he was on target in the Carabao Cup final as Newcastle downed the Reds.

READ MORE: Michael Owen sends strong Alexander Isak message as Liverpool transfer saga ends

READ MORE: Alexander Isak explains why he had to hold out for Liverpool transfer despite Newcastle fury

Newcastle had been hopeful that, after seeing how Howe managed to get Isak's focus back last season, that he could talk the player round and even re-integrate him back into the first-team squad if he did remain in the north east.

Eventually though that player got his way and sealed a British-record move to Anfield on deadline day. Newcastle have received £125million - with is more than double what they paid to land the Swede three years ago when he was signed from Real Sociedad.

Newcastle's frustration was evident in the message they put on their website confirming the Swede's departure. They wrote: " Newcastle United can announce the sale of striker Alexander Isak to Liverpool for a significant British record transfer fee. The Sweden international joined the Magpies from Real Sociedad in 2022 and made 109 appearances in all competitions."

Instead of finishing with the customary good luck message on the bottom the statement then followed, simply with: "Ends".

On his part, Isak said: “It’s been a long journey to get here. But I’m super-happy to be a part of this team, this club and everything it stands for. It’s something I’m proud of and I’m really looking forward to it.

“I’m just happy it’s done and that I can get back to work. I’m looking forward to seeing my teammates and the fans, and getting back out there.

“I think I have a lot to give, I think I have a lot to improve. I’m a striker but I always want to give as much as possible to the team, mainly goals but much more than that as well. I want to win everything. Yeah, [as simple as that].”

The Magpies were able to get some solace by landing the signing of Yoane Wissa from Brentford. It has been a difficult transfer window but Howe has been able to land Wissa and Nick Woltemade.

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