Eddie Howe would love Alexander Isak to stay at Newcastle but admits there are “things going on behind the scenes” with the striker pondering a move away from Tyneside.
Isak is not with the rest of the squad on the pre-season trip to Asia with the club stating it was due to a minor thigh injury. However, not long after Newcastle claimed their star man was not fit, reports emerged that Isak was exploring a transfer away from St James’ Park.
Isak has been tracked by Liverpool in recent weeks while he is also reported to have been offered a lucrative contract by Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal.
Isak the centre of attention despite absence
It leaves Howe in a tricky position and, unsurprisingly, the subject dominated his press conference ahead of tomorrow’s friendly against Arsenal in Singapore.
“There’s things going on behind the scenes. He will be aware he’s in the news every day and I’m sure that’s not easy for anyone,” he said.
“Conversations that happen between Alex and the club or Alex and myself will stay private. We do share a really good relationship with him. He’s been magnificent for us since he’s joined. He’s very popular in the dressing room and we’d love him to continue his journey at Newcastle.”
No new contract for Isak at present – Howe
Newcastle fans have clamoured for Isak to be handed a new deal to persuade him to stay but Howe admitted that is not currently on the agenda.
“That’ll be for a later date,” he added with Isak still having three years left on his current deal.
“With the situation as it is and the state of the window, in the sense that it’s hurtling towards the end of the window very quickly from our perspective, there’s still so much that could happen.”
Howe insisted Isak was carrying a knock and had not just opted out of the trip, having also missed last weekend’s 4-0 thrashing by Celtic.
He said: “With his injury, I’ve got no major update on that. He first mentioned his thigh just before the Celtic game and we assumed it would a be very minimal injury, nothing too serious.
“Then on the Monday after the Celtic game, he went in from training very early, didn’t feel right, so he’s now in Newcastle getting that injury assessed. Hopefully he’ll be back soon playing in the black and white shirt. That’s what we all want to see.”
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2025-07-26 15:55:18
