Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has acknowledged that the uncertainty surrounding Alexander Isak’s future is an unwelcome distraction but says he is still hopeful the striker will stay at St James’ Park.
Speaking during the club’s pre-season tour in Asia, Howe confirmed that Newcastle rejected a £110million bid from Liverpool for the 25-year-old Swedish international.
Isak, regarded as one of the most talented forwards in world football, has been unsettled by Liverpool’s pursuit this summer.
The Premier League champions tabled their offer on Friday but as it stands, are not planning to return with an improved bid.
The striker has not joined Newcastle’s pre-season trip due to what the club described as a minor thigh injury.
However, it has since emerged that he has been training individually at former club Real Sociedad, and his absence is also linked to his desire for a move.
Howe Distances Himself
Howe explained that the matter is being handled by the club’s hierarchy rather than himself
“I think from my situation, I am very much removed from everything that is happening back home.
“I was made aware there was a bid yesterday. That bid was turned down before I heard about it.”
Howe went on to stress that, despite the speculation, he still sees a future for the Swedish striker at Newcastle.
“There are people back in England dealing with the situation. I really don’t know what is going to happen next, but from our perspective, we still support Alex in every way, and my wish is still that we see him in a Newcastle shirt again.”
Newcastle face Tottenham in Seoul on Sunday as they conclude their pre-season tour of Asia, a significant match that will mark the end of Heung-Min Son’s Spurs career.
Howe admitted he first discovered Isak was back training in Spain through media reports.
“I know where he is through the media, so I think from that perspective it’s difficult for me to go into any detail,” he said.
“The situation is far from ideal. It is quite complex. I think that is all I have got to say.”
With Liverpool appearing to cool their interest and Newcastle standing firm on their refusal to sell, Isak’s future remains unresolved.
The forward, who scored 21 goals in all competitions last season, has become central to Newcastle’s plans since joining from Real Sociedad in 2022.
For now, Eddie Howe and Newcastle’s supporters are left hoping the saga concludes with Isak back in black and white when the Premier League kicks off.
