Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has made it clear that Alexander Isak remains a key figure at the club, despite ongoing rumours linking the forward to moves either to Liverpool or Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal.
Speaking in Singapore ahead of a pre-season match against Arsenal, Howe addressed the situation, confirming that Isak did not travel with the squad due to a minor thigh injury. “He’s still very much a Newcastle player,” Howe said. “There are always things going on in the background, but he is a big part of our team and plans.”
The 25-year-old Swedish striker, who scored 23 goals in the Premier League last season, has been the subject of constant transfer talk. Howe acknowledged the attention but said Isak remains focused. “He knows he’s in the news every day. That can be tough, but he is handling it well. Our conversations are private, but we have a strong relationship.”
Isak missed Newcastle’s recent friendly against Celtic due to the injury and has stayed back in England to undergo further assessment. “He said it was nothing major, just a small issue,” Howe explained. “But he left training early before the Celtic game, and we decided it was better for him to stay back and get checked.”
Despite the speculation, Howe is confident Isak will be in black and white when the season begins. “After the Celtic game, I said I believe he will stay, and nothing has changed my mind. In football, anything can happen, but right now, I am confident.”
Reflecting on last season, which saw Newcastle end a long trophy drought by winning the Carabao Cup and finishing fifth in the Premier League, Howe said the team is hungry for more. “Once you taste success, you want it again. We have set high standards, and everyone in the squad is full of ambition for the new season.”