Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe says Alexander Isak can’t be involved with the team as things stand, amid reports of Liverpool’s £110m bid for the striker.
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has confirmed that Alexander Isak won’t be involved with the team for the time being. The situation stems from Isak’s desire to explore his options and potentially leave the club. Liverpool’s £110m bid for the striker was rejected by Newcastle last week.
Isak missed Newcastle’s pre-season tour of Asia due to a minor thigh injury, but he’s been training alone at his former club Real Sociedad. Despite having no current fitness issues, Isak has been instructed to train at a later time than his teammates. Howe emphasized that the situation needs to be right for Isak to rejoin the team.
Howe stressed that he’d love to have Isak playing for the team, but the current situation doesn’t seem likely to change before the season opener at Aston Villa. The manager confirmed that Isak hasn’t been disciplined, but the club’s stance is clear. Newcastle would love to have Isak back, but it has to be on their terms.
The uncertainty surrounding Isak’s future has cast a shadow over Newcastle’s preparations for the new season.
With the club’s season opener just around the corner, Howe will need to finalize his team plans with or without Isak. Liverpool’s interest in signing the striker seems to be ongoing, with reports suggesting they’re still in concrete talks for his services.
