Howe says Isak must ‘earn’ right to train with Newcastle team-mates

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has made it clear that star striker Alexander Isak will need to prove himself all over again before rejoining full training with the squad, amid speculation over his future.

The Swedish forward has been at the centre of transfer rumours in recent weeks, with reports surfacing in July that he is open to leaving St James’ Park.

That speculation intensified last Friday when Newcastle turned down a £110million offer from Liverpool. Amid the uncertainty, Isak has been training alone at his former club, Real Sociedad.

He did not travel with the squad on their pre-season tour of Asia, with the club citing a “minor thigh injury” as the reason for his absence.

However, reports suggest that the 25-year-old returned to the club’s training ground on Monday.

Speaking to the Newcastle Chronicle, Howe admitted he has not yet spoken directly with Isak since the Liverpool bid was lodged.

“He’s like any other player, we would expect him to come in and train as normal,” said Howe.

However, the Newcastle boss also issued a strong message about what he expects from all his players in terms of commitment and professionalism, adding: “You have to earn the right to train with us.

“We are Newcastle United. The player has a responsibility here to be part of a team and part of a squad – you have to act in the right way. So that is also at play here.

“We will make sure that any player does that to earn the right to train with the group. No player can expect to act poorly and train with the group as normal.”

No clarity on Isak deal

Isak, who joined the Magpies from Real Sociedad in a then-club record £60m transfer in 2022, had an outstanding season last year.

He scored 27 goals in 42 appearances, playing a key role in Newcastle’s Champions League qualification via a fifth-place Premier League finish. He also found the net in the side’s 2-1 League Cup final win over Liverpool.

Howe’s side wrapped up their pre-season schedule with a 1-1 draw against Tottenham in Seoul. After the game, when asked whether Isak was set to return to training, Howe replied: “Of course I’d like him to but whether or not he will, I don’t know at this moment in time.

“Other people have been dealing with that situation back at home.”