By Faith Barbara N Ruhinda at 1523 EAT on Friday 22 August 2025

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe remains optimistic that Alexander Isak can be reintegrated into the squad, despite the striker publicly declaring that his relationship with the club “cannot continue.”

Isak broke his silence midweek in a strongly worded Instagram post, accusing the club of reneging on a previous agreement that would allow him to leave. He reiterated his desire to move, amid reported interest from Liverpool.

The Swedish international’s statement has sparked speculation over a potential exit, but Howe is understood to be keen on resolving the situation internally and retaining the 25-year-old, who has been a standout performer since his arrival at St. James’ Park.

Newcastle United have rejected claims made by Alexander Isak that he was promised a move away from the club, insisting no such agreement exists and that no acceptable offers have been received for the Swedish striker. The transfer window closes on September 1.

Isak sparked controversy earlier this week with a strongly worded Instagram post stating that his relationship with the club “cannot continue,” citing broken promises regarding a potential departure amid reported interest from Liverpool.

In a twist to the unfolding saga, Liverpool are set to visit St James’ Park on Monday — but Isak will not be involved. Newcastle manager Eddie Howe confirmed on Friday that the 25-year-old will miss a second consecutive match, having also been absent from the goalless draw against Aston Villa on the opening weekend of the Premier League season.

Despite the tensions, Howe remains hopeful that the situation can be resolved.

“He is contracted to us. He is our player,” Howe told reporters during a news conference largely dominated by questions about Isak. “My wish is that he’d be playing on Monday night with us, but he won’t be, and that’s regrettable at this moment. But 100 percent I want to see him back in a Newcastle shirt.”

Howe acknowledged the club’s response to Isak’s public statement, saying it was “justifiable,” though he admitted he would prefer such matters to be handled privately.

The situation adds further intrigue to Monday night’s clash, as Newcastle look to put the off-field distractions behind them in one of the season’s early marquee fixtures.

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe confirmed that Alexander Isak continues to train away from the first-team squad and that the two have not held any direct discussions this week.

“There are no issues between us,” Howe said during Friday’s press conference. “Of course, it’s a difficult situation from both sides, and it’s far from ideal for both parties.”

Isak’s absence from training with the main group comes in the wake of his public outburst on social media, in which he accused the club of breaking a promise to allow him to leave. Despite the ongoing tensions, Howe has expressed a desire to see the striker reintegrated into the squad once the situation is resolved.

Alexander Isak finished last season as the Premier League’s second-highest scorer with 23 goals, trailing only Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah — a feat that has inevitably drawn attention from top clubs, including the Reds themselves.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot, speaking at his Thursday press conference, outlined the club’s approach to transfers but stopped short of commenting directly on the Swedish striker.

“I’m happy with the squad, but if we think there’s a player who can really make us better, then this club has always shown it can bring them in,” Slot said. “But it needs to be everything we want — the right transfer fee, the right position, and the player has to want to come.”

Slot’s comments leave the door open to a potential move, though no formal bid for Isak has been confirmed.

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