Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has given the latest update on Alexander Isak's future amid the ongoing transfer saga involving Liverpool. Isak, 25, has not featured for Newcastle since May as he seeks a move to Liverpool, who previously had a £110 million plus add-ons bid for him rejected. Despite training away from the first team and being left out of Newcastle's Premier League opener against Aston Villa, Howe insists the door remains "well and truly open" for Isak’s return should he decide to stay and resolve the situation. Howe emphasized that the decision rests solely with Isak and that clarity is required to avoid distractions for the team.

Fans have expressed frustration with Isak’s stance, chanting "greedy" at him during the goalless draw versus Aston Villa, in which Newcastle notably struggled without their star striker. Howe acknowledged the difficulty posed by Isak’s absence and praised the players who stepped up, such as Anthony Gordon, who was played centrally in Isak's place, forcing a red card from Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa. Howe admitted that replacing Isak’s quality and goals will be a significant challenge for Newcastle.

Isak also missed Newcastle’s pre-season tour of Asia and continues to train away from the squad amidst the transfer uncertainty. While Liverpool remains the frontrunner to sign Isak should he depart, Howe reaffirmed that Isak is contractually a Newcastle player until the window closes on September 1, and a possible return cannot be ruled out.

Howe pleaded for a swift resolution to the saga, highlighting the need for the club and players to focus on the season ahead without ongoing distractions. The Newcastle manager stressed the high regard in which he holds Isak but admitted the club must move forward with those available if the Swedish forward leaves.

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Newcastle face Liverpool again on August 25, a match Howe described as having a "spicy" history, further intensifying the tension surrounding the potential transfer.


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