Isak was supposed to join his Newcastle teammates for their preseason tour in Asia, but he did not show up. Initially, the club said he was injured, but later admitted that he had made a transfer request. It is unclear what is causing the delay in his transfer.

Isak has been working out regularly at Real Sociedad's training facilities, accompanied by a personal fitness trainer. He has undergone medical tests and the results show no injuries. Some people are speculating that Isak may have faked an injury to avoid the public eye before his transfer.