Eddie Howe Addresses Isak Transfer Speculation Amid Liverpool Bid For Newcastle Striker

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Newcastle United's manager, Eddie Howe, acknowledged that the ongoing transfer rumours about Alexander Isak are not beneficial for the team. Reports emerged on Friday that Newcastle rejected a £110 million offer from Liverpool for Isak. The club values the Swedish striker, who netted 23 goals in the Premier League last season, at approximately £150 million.

Isak has been absent from Newcastle's pre-season tour in Asia, which ends with a match against Tottenham in Seoul on Sunday. The club stated his absence was due to a minor thigh injury, but there are claims that Isak has requested to leave. Besides Liverpool, he is also linked with Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League.

The 25-year-old has been training alone at Real Sociedad, his former club. Howe discovered this through social media. "I think from my situation, I am very much removed from everything that is happening back home," Howe mentioned during a news conference. He learned about Liverpool's bid only after it was declined.

Howe expressed uncertainty about future developments but reiterated support for Isak. "I really don't know what is going to happen next but, from our perspective, we still support Alex in every way and my wish is still that we see him in a Newcastle shirt again," he stated.

Isak joined Newcastle from Real Sociedad in August 2022. He scored 62 goals and provided 10 assists over 109 appearances across all competitions. Last season, he became the first Newcastle player since Alan Shearer in 2001-02 to score 23 goals in a Premier League campaign.

In March, Isak scored Newcastle's second goal in their 2-1 victory over Liverpool in the EFL Cup final. This win marked Newcastle's first domestic trophy since the FA Cup triumph in 1954-55.

Potential Replacement and Future Plans

Newcastle is reportedly interested in RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko as a potential replacement for Isak. On Saturday, it was reported that Newcastle made a formal bid for Sesko with an offer of £75 million (€65.5 million) plus £5 million (€4.3 million) in add-ons, matching Leipzig's valuation.

Howe admitted he hasn't communicated directly with Isak regarding the situation: "I know where he is through the media, so I think from that perspective it's difficult for me to go into any detail." He described the situation as complex and less than ideal.

The unfolding events around Isak’s future remain uncertain as Newcastle navigates these challenges while preparing for the upcoming season.