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Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak sparked a media frenzy this week when he was seen training away from the main squad, with many linking his solitary session to intense Liverpool transfer speculation.

However, the Swede has since joined Eddie Howe’s squad on their pre-season tour – and the true reason behind his separate workouts turned out to be far more routine.

Reports of a potential £120–130 million bid from Liverpool have dogged Isak and the Magpies all summer.

When he failed to feature in Newcastle’s friendly against Celtic and was photographed training alone, speculation mounted that the club and player were managing the fallout of ongoing transfer negotiations.

Fans and pundits alike suggested that Isak’s absence from group drills was a deliberate statement amid the chatter of Merseyside interest.

Isak travelled with Newcastle United on their pre-season tour, indicating he remains very much part of Howe’s plans for 2025/26.

The striker flew out with the squad to Singapore.

Now the Newcastle World have reported that the real reason why the Swede was training alone was due to mild thigh discomfort – and was thus permitted to do his own training as a precaution:

“Newcastle World can reveal that Isak had a scan this week, having felt some discomfort in his thigh,” reporter Liam Kennedy revealed.

“The scan is believed to have come back clear, but as a precaution, the player was put through his own session, which is common practice in these situations.”

“This was also the same with Lewis Hall, who trained away from the main group.

Joelinton, who also missed Sunday, is thought to have been involved in full training, as the club prepare to jet off to the Singapore on Thursday for a weekend friendly with Arsenal.”

Speaking after the defeat to Celtic at the weekend as quoted by BBC Radio Newcastle, Eddie Howe claimed that Isak is firmly part of his squad.

“Yes, absolutely.

But, the desire from everybody to keep him is as strong as it could be.

“Fingers crossed that will happen for us.”

“We love him as a player and a person and want him to stay – and that is right through the club?

He’s an outstanding talent and a player we cherish.”

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