Isak must win over a new head coach in Andoni Iraola after a tough first season at Liverpool, where he struggled with less-than-ideal preparation and a broken leg. He scored 54 goals in 86 Premier League appearances for Newcastle, including the decisive goal in their 2025 Carabao Cup final triumph against Liverpool at Wembley. However, his departure from St James' Park was met with a frosty reception from fans, who recall that he remained locked inside his rented mansion in Northumberland on the evening of 25 August last year, as Newcastle lost 3-2 to Liverpool.
Isak's less-than-ideal preparation during a summer when he skipped Newcastle's pre-season tour ensured that he became a shadow of the striker Arne Slot craved. The striker must now win over a new head coach in Andoni Iraola as he strives to recapture his ability to glide across the pitch before sending shots from sometimes improbable angles beyond goalkeepers. The manner of Alexander Isak's departure from St James' Park didn't go down well with the Toon Army, with the club's ownership appearing anxious to avoid the loss of face involved in permitting Liverpool to poach their prize possession. Isak will face a human chicane of once-familiar club staff at St James' Park, but two factors should soften the pre-match mood surrounding his first return to the stadium. Eddie Howe has been replaced by Matthias Jaissle and the latest meeting between Newcastle and Liverpool will play out against an outpouring of love for Kevin Keegan, following his death in July.