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The summer of speculation around Alexander Isak has taken another intriguing turn.

The situation has become increasingly complicated for Newcastle, with manager Eddie Howe admitting that Isak’s future is “not in my full control” on Tuesday.

Isak has made clear his desire to explore options away from St James’ Park this summer, leading to his omission from Newcastle’s pre-season tour to Asia citing a minor thigh injury.

David Ornstein challenged that narrative last week and instead asserted that the 25-year-old chose to stay behind and assess his options.

Yet Tuesday’s kit launch has provided perhaps the most telling glimpse yet into where Newcastle’s prize asset might be heading.

The Magpies’ new predominantly green away strip, inspired by the iconic Tyne Bridge, was officially unveiled with captain Bruno Guimaraes, midfielder Sandro Tonali, defender Dan Burn, and winger Jacob Murphy all featuring prominently in promotional videos and imagery.

Yet one face was conspicuously missing from the marketing campaign – that of their star striker.

What makes Tuesday’s kit launch particularly significant is the revelation that Isak was actually present for the photo shoot and media duties earlier in the summer.

According to Chronicle Live, the Swedish striker “posed for photographs and videos alongside his team-mates” during the filming sessions.

However, when Newcastle’s official promotional materials were released on Tuesday morning, Isak was nowhere to be seen.

The timing is particularly noteworthy given Newcastle’s previous kit launches have typically featured their star players prominently.

The club’s third kit launch earlier in the month included Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon, and Bruno Guimaraes heavily in promotional videos, making his absence from the away kit materials all the more glaring.

As Newcastle prepare to wear their new away kit for the first time against a K-League XI in South Korea, the absence of their star striker from promotional materials comes as a big hint.

Whether Isak will ever get the chance to wear Newcastle’s new green shirt in competitive action remains very much in doubt.

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