Eddie Howe remains “confident” that the Sweden international will stay at Newcastle this summer
Uncertainty remains over the future of Alexander Isak at Newcastle United after the striker was left out of the squad for Saturday’s pre-season defeat to Celtic in Glasgow.
The Swedish forward did not travel with the rest of the team to Parkhead amid interest from Liverpool for his services. This week, the Premier League champions informed Newcastle they are willing to pay a fee in the region of £120m to bring Isak to Anfield.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe addressed the situation surrounding the striker after his side were comfortably beaten 4-0 by the Scottish champions. He said Isak was deliberately omitted from the squad due to the uncertainty surrounding his future.
“It was my decision,” said Howe. “I decided to send him home due to the speculation around him. The last thing he wanted is to be sat in the stand watching, that wasn’t fair to him.”
Despite the mounting pressure, Howe insisted Newcastle have no plans to sell the 25-year-old, who has three years remaining on his contract and remains central to the club’s plans.
“I’m confident he will be a Newcastle player come the end of the window,” said Howe.
“It’s difficult for me to give 100 per cent clarity on any player. Alex is happy at Newcastle, he loves the players, the staff, and the team. I’m confident he’ll be here at the start of the season.”
