Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has admitted that the ongoing transfer saga surrounding Alexander Isak is “far from ideal,” after the club rejected a mammoth bid from Liverpool.
It was reported on Friday that Liverpool had made a bid in the region of £110m for Isak, but the Magpies reportedly turned it down as it did not meet their valuation of around £150m.
The Sweden international has been left out of the club’s preseason tour of Asia due to what Newcastle have called a “minor thigh issue.”
He has since been training alone at his former club Real Sociedad’s facilities in Spain – a detail Howe said he only discovered through media reports.
Isak has also reportedly told the club he would like to explore a move away from St. James’ Park, but the Magpies insist at the moment that he is not for sale.
Newcastle have also been pursuing a deal for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, though it’s unclear whether that has any direct relation to Isak’s seemingly-likely departure.
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What did Howe say?
Newcastle are currently in Seoul as part of their preseason preparations. Speaking to a news conference on Saturday (August 2), Howe admitted that he isn’t entirely sure what’s happening with the Isak situation.
“I think from my situation, I am very much removed from everything that is happening back home,” Howe said.
“I was made aware there was a bid yesterday. That bid was turned down before I heard about it. There are people back in England dealing with the situation.
“I really don't know what is going to happen next but, from our perspective, we still support Alex in every way and my wish is still that we see him in a Newcastle shirt again.”
Isak, 25, joined Newcastle from Real Sociedad in 2022 for £60m and has become a central figure in Howe’s side.
He top-scored for Newcastle last season, bagging 23 goals in the Premier League and leading the line as they ended their 70-year trophy drought with a win over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final.
Asked whether he had been in direct contact with the player, Howe admitted communication has been limited.
“I know where he is through the media, so I think from that perspective it's difficult for me to go into any detail.
“The situation is far from ideal. It is quite complex. I think that is all I have got to say,” Howe concluded.
Newcastle will end their preseason tour with a friendly against Tottenham in Seoul on Sunday (August 3), while their Premier League campaign kicks off on August 16 against Aston Villa.
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