Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has confirmed that striker Alexander Isak still has a future at the club despite the ongoing transfer saga with Liverpool ahead of the Premier League season. However, Isak is unlikely to feature for Newcastle in their opening match against Aston Villa or in the immediate fixtures, as he has been ordered to train away from the main squad after expressing his desire to leave and missing pre-season training.
Howe emphasized that the club would love to have Isak playing and training with the team but admitted the current situation, marked by Isak's stand-off over a move, is unlikely to change before the season begins. Liverpool previously made a substantial bid of £110 million for Isak, but Newcastle's owners have rejected the offer, valuing the player closer to £150 million. The club’s Saudi owners have firmly stated that Isak is not for sale this summer, leading to increased tension and Isak’s exclusion from group training.
The manager also highlighted the unsettled atmosphere at the club due to this situation but reaffirmed the owners’ commitment to Newcastle’s project and their unwillingness to enter negotiations unless Newcastle signals otherwise. Howe left open the possibility of Isak returning to play, saying, “everything is still in play” as Isak remains under contract with Newcastle. Nevertheless, Isak must accept Newcastle’s position and "earn the right" to rejoin the squad to be considered for future matches.
Liverpool appear unlikely to return with another bid unless Newcastle changes its stance, despite interest remaining strong. The tense stand-off may continue well into the new Premier League campaign, with Isak’s participation in the club’s matches uncertain in the short term.
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