Newcastle United’s pre-season has been overshadowed not by a bold new signing but by a conspicuous absence: star striker Alexander Isak. The 25-year-old Swede has been training away from the first-team setup, sparking speculation that Liverpool’s declared interest sparked by a reported £110 million bid has sent shockwaves through St James’ Park.
Manager Eddie Howe has taken a firm stance. “He cannot currently be involved with the squad,” he confirmed, emphasising that the situation must be “right” before Isak is reintegrated though he stopped short of wearing blinkers, admitting, “He is here, so of course he has a future at Newcastle.” However, Howe cannot guarantee any swift resolution before the club’s Premier League opener at Villa Park, having plainly stated that nothing will likely change before the season begins.
This stand-off hasn’t done the Magpies any favours. Their relentless search for a capable backup continues to gather pace. Reports suggest Newcastle are ready to raise their offer for Brentford’s Yoane Wissa beyond £30 million, having already seen a £25 million bid turned away. Other names Samu Aghehowa, Nicolas Jackson, Randal Kolo Muani hover on the periphery as Howe scrambles to fill the void, mindful of the transfer window ticking towards its close.
The underlying tension extends deeper than Isak’s frustration. The player reportedly chose to skip the Asia tour under the guise of a minor thigh injury and instead trained at his former club’s facilities in Spain. Howe’s response was characteristically disciplined, insisting that no one can “expect to train with us” without first earning that right.
Time is slipping and, with the new season looming, the question on everyone’s lips is whether this impasse can be resolved swiftly or whether Newcastle must move on without their talisman.
READ MORE TRANSFER STORIES:
- Tottenham Tipped as Ideal Destination for Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez Amidst Scoring Struggles
- Eddie Howe Offers Clarity on Alexander Isak’s Future Amidst Transfer Speculation and Strategises to Capitalise on Rivals’ PSR Woes