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Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak was notably absent from the squad that faced Celtic in Glasgow on Saturday, intensifying speculation over his future at St James’ Park. The 25-year-old Swede, who had travelled from the team’s pre-season camp in Austria, was sent home by manager Eddie Howe as rumours continued to swirl about a potential big-money move to Liverpool.
Despite growing interest from both Anfield and Saudi Arabia, the Magpies have so far resisted all attempts to lure their star forward away, including rejecting a high-profile approach from Liverpool earlier this week. Isak, who joined from Real Sociedad in 2022 for a club-record £63 million, remains central to Newcastle’s plans, although uncertainties remain over his long-term commitment.
Explaining the striker’s omission following a 4-0 defeat to Celtic, Howe said the decision was made to protect the player from unnecessary scrutiny.
“Alex was with us all the way through Austria, but today with all the speculation and things that are going on, I decided to send him home,” Howe revealed.
“The last thing Alex wants if he's not playing is to be sat in the stand being under that scrutiny. I don't think that's fair to the player. So if he wasn't going to play today, which we mutually agreed that he needs a little bit more training time, then it's best he's not here.”
While Howe remained optimistic that Isak will still be in black and white next season, he stopped short of guaranteeing the player’s future.
“It's difficult for me to give 100 per cent clarity on any player. I'd never sit here and do that because it's football and you never know what can happen. All I can say is that Alex is happy at Newcastle. He loves the players that he plays with, the staff, the team. I've never had any issue with him other than really enjoying seeing his talent and seeing him express himself and certainly I'm confident that he's going to be here at the start of the season.”
Sources close to Isak suggest the forward’s camp had been receptive to the idea of a move to Liverpool after disappointment over a promised wage increase last summer failed to materialise. That offer, made by former co-owners Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi, was later shelved by ex-sporting director Paul Mitchell, who deemed Isak’s £130,000-a-week salary sufficient given his contract through 2028.
“I have conversations with, I'd say, 100 per cent of the players on their futures and I’m very communicative with them. So whether that's at the end of the season, whether that's during pre-season, I've had discussions with him, but that's not abnormal. I respect a player's career and how short it is. All the time I will be communicating my desires and my wishes to them and what I see and trying to help them.”
“Alex has been really good and trained really well so far this season. So I know there'll be lots of noise around it and I can't really control that, but from my side he's been really good.”
The club continues to hold firm in its stance that Isak is not for sale, despite Liverpool reportedly preparing a £130 million bid. Insiders believe Toon chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan is adamant about keeping Isak, his “favourite player,” and is ready to back Howe with a record-breaking £200,000-a-week deal to secure the striker’s future.
Liverpool have now shifted their attention to Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, who was also a previous Newcastle target. The Reds are confident of landing the 23-year-old Frenchman in a deal believed to be worth over £70 million, with personal terms already agreed.
Newcastle, meanwhile, are reportedly weighing up a £30 million move for Brentford’s Yoane Wissa as an alternative attacking option. Yet, Isak remains their top priority, both in terms of retaining talent and building towards another Champions League push.
As pre-season continues and the Asia tour approaches, Howe remains hopeful his No.9 will be back in the squad and ready to lead the line when the Premier League kicks off in August. Whether that includes a new contract, and a resolution to the behind-the-scenes issues, remains to be seen.
Featured Image Credit: Instagram / @alex_isak
