Arjun Menon
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has pushed back against growing speculation surrounding the future of Alexander Isak, insisting the prolific striker remains a core part of the club’s plans for the upcoming season.
Despite being linked with moves to Premier League champions Liverpool and Saudi Pro League giants Al Hilal, Isak has not traveled with the team for their pre-season tour of Asia, reportedly due to a minor thigh issue. But Howe remains unfazed.
“He’s a Newcastle player. He’s been magnificent for us”
Howe told reporters in Singapore ahead of their friendly against Arsenal.
“Yes, he’s in the news every day, and that’s never easy for any player. But we share a strong relationship, and our conversations will remain private.”
Eddie Howe. Source: bbc.com
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Manchester CityIsak, who netted 23 goals in the Premier League last season, missed last week’s friendly defeat to Celtic with what Howe described as a “very minimal” issue. The Swede is now back in Newcastle undergoing further assessment.
“He left training early before the Celtic game. It didn’t feel right for him, and we decided not to take any risks”
said Howe.
Newcastle fans have reason to be cautiously optimistic. Howe made it clear he expects Isak to remain in black and white when the new campaign kicks off next month.
“I said after the Celtic match I’m confident he’ll stay and I haven’t seen anything to change that”
he said.
“But it’s football. Who knows what the future holds?”
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Manchester UnitedThe Magpies, who ended a 70-year trophy drought by winning the Carabao Cup and secured a return to the Champions League with a fifth-place league finish, are building on momentum. Howe added, “Once you experience the taste of winning, you want more. The ambition within this squad is massive.”