Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has provided another update on the future of striker Alexander Isak.
The Magpies forward continues to be frozen out of first-team action, with Howe revealing he is unlikely to feature when Newcastle begin their Premier League campaign against Aston Villa next weekend.
Reports suggested Newcastle’s Saudi ownership had blocked Isak from joining Liverpool this summer, leaving the 25-year-old frustrated. However, Howe says the decision over the player’s future is out of his hands and has played down reports, insisting he has “no knowledge” of such a message being passed to the striker.
Speaking after Newcastle’s final pre-season friendly against Atletico Madrid, Howe told reporters:
“No, that’s not something I’m aware of.
I’m not party to all discussions, but I have no knowledge of that. That’s not a decision I will make.”
Isak was again absent from the matchday squad against Atletico, having trained away from the rest of the team this week. Liverpool, the reigning Premier League champions, saw an opening bid of £110 million rejected last week and are yet to return with an improved offer.
The Sweden international has not featured for Newcastle throughout the summer, missing the club’s pre-season tour of the Far East. Initially, the Magpies claimed his absence was due to a minor injury but boss Howe has since confirmed Isak is now fully fit.
Asked if it would be better for all parties to allow Isak to join Liverpool, Howe’s response was blunt — “That is not a decision I will make” — and reiterated he only wants players committed to Newcastle.
With the Premier League season just under a week away, Isak’s future remains unresolved. While Newcastle’s public stance has been that the forward is not for sale, his continued exclusion from training and matchday squads adds to speculation that a move could still materialise.
The reigning champions are expected to remain attentive to the situation, with Arne Slot keen to bolster his attacking options ahead of another title push.
Whether Newcastle’s hierarchy will eventually soften their stance or hold firm could define one of the final major transfer sagas of the summer window.
