Away the lad: how Isak’s long and messy departure from Newcastle unfolded

Alexander Isak’s form last season said much about Eddie Howe’s leadership skills. Photograph: Andrew Couldridge/Action Images/Reuters

Not too many players are capable of upstaging Mohamed Salah but, last month, Alexander Isak revelled in revealing that rare ability.

Salah had assumed centre stage at Manchester’s Opera House and, as the latest recipient of the Professional Footballers’ Association player of the year award, was preparing to deliver an eagerly awaited acceptance speech when he lost a previously rapt audience.