**Isak Excluded from Newcastle’s Asian Pre-Season Tour Squad**
Alexander Isak, the talented Swedish striker, has notably been left out of Newcastle United’s roster for their upcoming pre-season tour in Asia. Initially, head coach Eddie Howe expressed confidence that Isak would be part of the traveling squad for the series of matches set to take place in Singapore and South Korea. However, recent developments have taken a different turn.
Newcastle has confirmed the selection of a 30-man contingent for their Asian adventure, albeit without Isak, who is sidelined due to a minor thigh injury. The injury has forced the club to precautionarily exclude him from the tour as they aim to ensure his recovery is managed correctly.
Isak’s status has caused considerable stir among fans, particularly given his impressive performance last season where he scored an impressive total of 27 goals across 42 matches in various competitions. This feat has fueled speculation regarding a potential transfer, particularly linking him with a move to Liverpool, a club that has shown significant interest in the striker throughout the summer.
Adding to the intrigue, Isak was also absent during Newcastle’s recent 4-0 loss against Celtic, marking the start of their pre-season campaign. This absence further stokes the fire of speculation surrounding his future with the club, amidst reports of Liverpool having secured Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike for a record fee, a player Newcastle had previously made a bid of £70 million for.
Despite the rumors, Newcastle has been publicly adamant about not entertaining offers for Isak. Eddie Howe reiterated his confidence in retaining the forward, emphasizing that Isak is content at the club. “I think it’s difficult for me to give 100% clarity on any player,” Howe stated post-defeat against Celtic. He continued, “Alex is happy at Newcastle. He loves the players he plays with, the staff, the team and I’ve never had any issue with him.”
However, analysts, including BBC senior football correspondent Sami Mokbel, suggest that Liverpool’s continued pursuit of Isak signifies they may have received some private encouragement about the possibility of acquiring him. This uncertainty continues to loom over the player’s future at Newcastle, as fans and observers watch closely to see how this situation unfolds.
In terms of squad updates, while Isak misses out, defender Lewis Hall has been included in the traveling squad. Hall is recuperating from a foot injury that has kept him out since February and his presence indicates a positive step toward his return ahead of the new season.
Newcastle’s pre-season journey in Asia features matches against Premier League rivals Arsenal on 27 July in Singapore, followed by contests against a K-League All-Star team on 30 July, and Tottenham on 3 August. These matches are anticipated not just for their competitive value but also as a platform for Newcastle to showcase their capabilities to a global audience.
As the club navigates through the pre-season and the transfer window, the status of Isak remains a focal point of interest. Both fans and pundits alike will be eager to monitor the developments, with the start of the new season fast approaching, and the club’s plans continuing to evolve amidst ongoing speculation.
