Howe struggles with Isak situation: 'It's complex and far from ideal'

It has been confirmed that Liverpool submitted a formal offer of approximately €126 million for Swedish striker Alexander Isak, a bid that instantly made headlines across Europe and sent shockwaves through Newcastle United’s pre-season preparations.

Despite the staggering fee, Newcastle wasted no time in rejecting the offer, standing firm on their position that the 25-year-old is not for sale. The club’s swift response was meant not only to deter Liverpool but also to send a clear message to any other interested parties ahead of a summer window that is already proving tense and complicated.

Speaking at a press conference in Seoul, where Newcastle are continuing their pre-season tour with a high-profile friendly against Tottenham Hotspur, manager Eddie Howe addressed the situation for the first time. “I was briefed yesterday that a bid had been made,” Howe said calmly, “but the bid was already turned down before I even heard about it. Our people in England are handling the situation.”

This episode comes at a delicate time for Newcastle, who are preparing for their second consecutive season competing at the top end of the Premier League, with Champions League ambitions still very much alive. Losing a player of Isak’s calibre would represent a serious setback not only in terms of squad quality but also in the message it would send about the club’s ambitions and resistance to wealthier rivals.

Newcastle’s resolve is understandable. Since joining from Real Sociedad in 2022 for a then-club-record fee, Isak has established himself as one of the most dynamic and clinical forwards in English football. His technical ability, intelligent movement, and coolness in front of goal have made him a fan favourite at St James’ Park and a vital piece of Howe’s attacking system. Last season, despite dealing with a few injuries, he netted 17 goals in the Premier League and played a crucial role in Newcastle’s push for a top-six finish.

However, the current situation is far from ideal. Isak is not part of the traveling squad in South Korea, and his absence has not gone unnoticed. He is currently training alone at the facilities of his former club, Real Sociedad, a highly unusual scenario that suggests not everything is as smooth behind the scenes as Newcastle might wish to present. When asked about the striker’s whereabouts and involvement, Howe admitted that the circumstances are far from normal.

“To be honest, I know where he is through the media,” Howe said, his tone measured but revealing some discomfort. “It’s difficult for me to go into details. The situation is just far from ideal. It’s quite complex. That’s all I can say about it for now.”

Those comments hint at a deeper level of unease. The fact that Isak is not in regular contact with the coaching staff, or at least not directly with Howe, raises questions about his current frame of mind and commitment to the club. Is the Swedish international being kept at a distance to protect a potential transfer? Or is this Newcastle’s way of insulating the squad from the noise around one of its biggest stars? Either way, it adds a layer of complexity to what is already shaping up to be one of the summer’s most high-profile transfer sagas.

From Liverpool’s perspective, the interest in Isak makes strategic sense. With the future of Mohamed Salah still uncertain and Darwin Núñez yet to fully convince as a consistent goalscorer, the Reds are looking to add a reliable and versatile forward who can lead the line and fit into Arne Slot’s high-pressing system. Isak’s ability to play both centrally and in wider positions, along with his experience in La Liga and the Premier League, make him a natural target. However, it appears Newcastle will require an astronomical offer or a complete change of heart from Isak to even consider entering negotiations.

Adding to the intrigue is the Premier League fixture calendar. Newcastle begin their season on August 16 with a challenging away game against Aston Villa, but it’s the following weekend’s match that draws even more attention: a trip to Anfield to face Liverpool. The timing could hardly be more dramatic, as the very club trying to sign Isak may soon be facing him or perhaps even fielding him depending on how the situation unfolds in the coming weeks.

For now, Eddie Howe is trying to keep the focus on football, but the uncertainty surrounding his star striker is impossible to ignore. “We’re supporting Alex in every possible way,” Howe said. “My wish is to see him back in a Newcastle shirt very soon.” Whether that wish will come true or whether Isak has already played his last match for the Magpies remains one of the biggest questions of the transfer window.