Liverpool’s Transfer Standoff with Newcastle Signals Wider Shift in StrategyStriker pursuit reflects market contradictionsLiverpool’s summer, once projected as a transitional rebuild, has instead

Alexander Isak returned to Newcastle United on Monday but his future at St James' Park remains uncertain amid interest from Liverpool. The Swede had been training on his own at the complex of former club, Real Sociedad, while his teammates continued their pre-season schedule.

Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris has signed a new contract at the Stadium of Light running to the summer of 2028. Le Bris, 49, was appointed in late June of last year and guided Sunderland to promotion to the Premier League via the Championship play-offs in his first season.