In recent updates surrounding Newcastle United, manager Eddie Howe addressed the situation concerning striker Alexander Isak, asserting that any decisions regarding Isak’s future must be aligned with the club’s interests. Isak has been contemplating his position within the club amid interest from rival Premier League side Liverpool. This news comes after the forward notably did not accompany the Newcastle squad on their trip to Singapore, where the club stated he was sidelined due to a thigh injury.
A reliable source disclosed that despite Liverpool acquiring Eintracht Frankfurt’s striker Hugo Ekitike for an initial fee of £69 million, their interest in the 25-year-old Isak continues unabated. The striker, who has made headlines for his impressive performance since joining Newcastle, notably tallied 27 goals in 42 appearances across all competitions last season. In light of these developments, Eddie Howe took the opportunity to discuss this matter prior to the team’s forthcoming pre-season fixture against Arsenal.
Howe acknowledged that there are ongoing discussions about Isak’s future, indicating that both managerial and board-level conversations are likely taking place behind closed doors. He recognized the challenging situation for players like Isak, who find themselves at the center of constant media speculation. While Howe did confirm a strong rapport with Isak, tweaking his comments to hint that discussions about the striker’s future are best kept internal, he stated, “Conversations that happen with Alex and the club, or Alex and myself, will remain private for obvious reasons.”
The manager expressed hope that Isak, who was signed from Real Sociedad in August 2022 for a fee near £60 million and holds a contract that extends until June 2028, would continue his journey at Newcastle. Howe emphasized the player’s contribution to the team dynamics, calling him “magnificent” and citing Isak’s popularity within the team. Nevertheless, Howe remained firm that any move must benefit the club, reinforcing the sentiment that “whatever happens has to be right for Newcastle.”
Adding to the conversation, Howe also reassured fans about Isak’s health and role within upcoming matches. After Isak was absent during a friendly match against Celtic, Howe had confirmed that he would be fit to participate in fixtures in Singapore and South Korea. Since then, however, Isak has undergone a reassessment in Newcastle pertaining to the thigh injury he reported before the Celtic game. Howe expressed optimism about Isak returning to the pitch soon, stating, “Hopefully he’ll be back soon and playing in the black and white shirt. That’s what we all want to see.”
Howe described the initial diagnosis as potentially minor, noting that Isak had communicated feeling unwell during a training session following the Celtic match. He mentioned that he hadn’t directly engaged with the club’s board regarding Isak’s situation but affirmed that any potential contract negotiations would take place at a later stage. When quizzed about the likelihood of Isak remaining at the club, Howe expressed confidence that Isak would continue to wear the Newcastle kit, citing the strong financial position the club finds itself in and their ambition to be successful.
Newcastle United, buoyed by their recent performances and aspirations for the upcoming season, are keen on maintaining a trajectory of improvement, adding necessary reinforcements to their squad. The conversations surrounding Alexander Isak’s future will likely unfold alongside the club’s organizational strategies as they prioritize ambitious objectives for this term in the Premier League.
As the pre-season progresses, fans will be keeping a close watch on the developments concerning Isak, with hopes high for his return to full fitness and a continued standout performance on the field. In what promises to be an exciting upcoming season, the club is determined to make strategic decisions that bolster Newcastle United’s competitive stance in the league.
