Alexander Isak Transfer News: Eddie Howe ‘hopeful’ striker will stay at Newcastle, but concedes his future is uncertain

Eddie Howe is hopeful. Alexander Isak will remain with the club, but the striker’s future remains questionable. Isak notified the club that he wanted to explore his options. Liverpool has showed interest in Isak, but have also bought forward Hugo Ekitike for £79 million this summer.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe believes Alexander Isak will stay, but admits his future at St James’ Park is questionable.

Isak has notified Newcastle that he wants to explore his options this summer and is not part of the Magpies squad for their pre-season tour of Singapore. He is also dealing with a minor thigh ailment.

There has been no official or formal transfer request to far, and while there have been discussions regarding a new deal at Newcastle in recent months, nothing has been agreed upon.

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The Sweden international has three years remaining on his deal with the club, which has valued him at £150 million. Despite signing Hugo Ekitike, Liverpool are still known to admire Isak.

“He is currently in Newcastle having his injury evaluated. “Hopefully he’ll be back soon and playing in the black and white shirt, which is what we want to see,” Howe stated in a press conference ahead of the pre-season friendly against Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.

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“Of course, there are things happening behind the scenes. Conversations between Alex and ourselves, as well as Alex and the club, shall remain confidential.

“He is highly popular in the dressing room, and we hope he will continue his adventure at Newcastle. Contract talks are not currently underway; they may take place at a later date.

“I really hope he remains. It’s football; who knows what the future holds.

Howe: Isak’s position is not a distraction.

Howe was then questioned about if Isak’s condition is interfering with his team’s pre-season preparations, which include five friendlies before their season opener against Aston Villa on August 16, with the Newcastle manager saying the controversy is not a distraction.

“I don’t think we’re distracted.” “We are here, and we are focused,” he added. “I’ve done it several times. I’ve sold players throughout my managing career. There is a bigger picture; there is a football club that must make the decision.

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“Whatever happens, it must be right for Newcastle.” We are in a great financial position and determined to succeed.

“I wouldn’t put a time frame on it. It needs to be right for the football club, and they will make the correct decision based on all available evidence.

“It is up to us to make smart judgements the other way and enhance the squad, regardless of Alex’s circumstances. We desire stability and a positive atmosphere within the group.”

Howe: We require reinforcements, but the timeframe is challenging.

While Isak’s future is being discussed behind the scenes, Newcastle are actively seeking further reinforcements to bolster Howe’s squad for the 2025/26 season.

However, the 47-year-old has stated that the market is currently “challenging” because to high costs and a restricted pool of participants.

The Magpies signed Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest for £55 million earlier in the summer, but missed out on Ekitike to Liverpool. Keeper James Trafford is reportedly expected to join Manchester City.

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“The window is a challenge for us. In a press conference before the pre-season friendly against Arsenal in Singapore on Sunday, Howe stated that the club is considering numerous individuals for various positions.

“Other teams will say the same thing; it is a difficult window because prices are rising and the pool of players is shrinking.

“We are actively in the market and are looking. We need to do commerce and bring in players.

“With all the games we’ll be playing, we’ll need options and depth. It’s a whole different Champions League campaign.

“I aim to bring in players who can make a difference. We will not stop till the window is closed.”

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Alexander Isak reportedly told Newcastle that he wants to investigate a move away after the club revealed that he was not part of the group traveling to Asia for pre-season games.

According to the Daily Mail, Newcastle management is aware of Isak’s desire to evaluate his alternatives this summer.

According to Sky Sports, the club has began preliminary talks with RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko in the event that their star player leaves.

Arsenal has previously targeted Sesko, while Newcastle is interested in Brentford’s Yoane Wissa as well.

According to Sky Germany’s Philipp Hinze, Leipzeg is asking for £69.7 million ($142 million AUD) for their striker and isn’t in a haste to sell.

“Leipzig are relaxed: either they sell Sesko for a large sum, or they keep one of the best strikers in the Bundesliga in their own squad,” claimed the former player.

It came after Saudi-owned Premier League club Izak announced that it will miss the Asia trip due to a “minor thigh injury.”

Isak’s 23 Premier League goals last season made him one of the world’s most desirable players, and he has been linked with English champions Liverpool.

Despite announcing the signing of Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike on Wednesday, the Mail reported that Liverpool remained keen in acquiring the Sweden international.

According to the Independent, Chelsea is mulling a move to capture Newcastle’s star player.

Liverpool’s spending during the current transfer window now exceeds £250 million ($511 million AUD), with Ekitike joining for a reported £69 million ($141 million AUD).

Isak has three years left on his contract with Newcastle, which he joined in 2022 from Real Sociedad in Spain.

He was left out of Saturday’s 4-0 friendly defeat to Celtic.

However, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe stated at the time that he was “confident” that Isak would remain at St James’ Park and that he anticipated him to join the Asia trip.

“It’s difficult for me to give 100 per cent clarity on any player,” he told reporters. “I wouldn’t sit here and do that because football is unpredictable.

“All I can say is that Alex is pleased in Newcastle. He adores the players he plays with, the coaches, and the entire team.” Newcastle play Arsenal in Singapore on Sunday before heading to South Korea to face a K League all-star team and Tottenham.

me by. I’m joining a historic and big club. When you arrive here with your family, you can truly experience the greatness of this area.” Mosquera was regarded as “an intelligent player with good pace, who can play centrally and on both sides” by manager Mikel Arteta.

Mosquera joins Spain’s Martin Zubimendi, goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard, and Noni Madueke in heading to the Emirates.

Gabriel and Myles Lewis-Skelly have already signed new contracts this offseason, and a long-term extension for teenager Ethan Nwaneri is thought to be nearly complete.

Arsenal are still hoping to capture Sporting Lisbon forward Viktor Gyokeres, but a deal worth up to £65 million is not expected to be completed soon.

The Gunners, who have finished as Premier League runners-up three times in a row, begin their 2025/26 season on August 17 at Manchester United.

“At the moment, our club needs to be really careful when we sign a player,” says Amorim.

“So if we have to start the season with this squad, I’m happy because all the players that are here want to be here – and that for me is the most important thing.”