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Aug 22, 2025, 04:54 AM ET

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has confirmed that wantaway striker Alexander Isak will once again be absent when his suitors Liverpool visit St James' Park on Monday, and has voiced his dismay at the transfer saga unfolding "publicly."

Isak hasn't reintegrated with the Newcastle side this summer amid interest from Liverpool, who sources told ESPN had a bid rejected at the beginning of August.

The Sweden international released a statement this week saying that he had lost trust with Newcastle due to broken promises, which the club responded by insisting the conditions for his departure had not been met.

Newcastle play Liverpool in their next Premier League fixture.

"There's been no change -- he won't be a part of the squad for this weekend's game," Howe said in his news conference on Friday.

Alexander Isak hasn't featured for Newcastle United this season. Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images

"He's contracted to us, he's our player.

I 100% want to see him back in a Newcastle shirt."

- Isak to Liverpool?

Timeline of transfer saga
- Trust 'lost' by broken Newcastle promises
- Striker skips PFA awards amid Liverpool pursuit

Asked about the public back and forth, Howe admitted he would prefer it if everything was dealt with behind closed doors.

"My preference is it doesn't happen publicly," he said.

He's training later on detached from the group but we will I'm sure catch up at some stage."

Howe is hopeful of reintegrating Isak into his squad at some stage -- which he said is "not an option" currently -- and believes the fans would be able to welcome him back.

"The relationship between our fans and Isak can still be good," he added.

"The fans will always react to the way a player plays".


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