Eddie Howe pinpoints Alexander Isak turning point at Newcastle that led to Liverpool transfer

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Eddie Howe spoke for the first time about Alexander Isak’s transfer from Newcastle to Liverpool, telling reporters that their relationship changed over the summer.

Isak refused to train at Newcastle over the summer in a bid to force through a move to Liverpool, feeling that the Magpies had told him he could leave this summer. Newcastle denied that, and held out until transfer deadline day for a British record £125m deal.

Liverpool will hope Isak plays a key role in their Premier League title defence, while Newcastle moved quickly to sign Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa – although Wissa has already picked up an injury.

Facing the media ahead of Newcastle’s fixture with Wolves on Saturday, Howe broke his silence on the manner of Isak’s exit, saying the striker’s decision not to train caused communication to become ‘difficult’.

Eddie Howe says Newcastle helped Alexander Isak become player he is today, but relationship changed

Addressing Isak’s exit, Howe said they always enjoyed a good relationship but that ‘changed’ when Isak refused to train.

“Alex and I always enjoyed a great relationship. I loved working with him and I hope he loved working with us,” Howe said.

“We helped him become the player who departed us today and he helped us achieve some important milestones.

“The moment he went on strike our relationship did change and that was a turning point in our relationship. Communication became difficult from that point onwards.”

Yoane Wissa and Jacob Ramsey to miss Newcastle games with injury, Eddie Howe confirms

At the start of his press conference, Eddie Howe confirmed that new signings Jacob Ramsey and Yoanne Wissa have picked up injuries.

Ramsey has already made his debut off the bench after joining from Aston Villa, but has a swollen ankle and has been ruled out for a month.

Wissa was a deadline day signing from Brentford, and scored twice on international duty with DR Congo, but has picked up a knee issue over the last week and will be out for the Wolves game at least.

However, Nick Woltemade has trained well and could make his Newcastle debut against Wolves at St James’ Park.