Alexander Isak: Eddie Howe offers update on Newcastle star’s future amid transfer speculation – ‘It has to be right for the football club’

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Eddie Howe has said that any decision made regarding the future of Alexander Isak "has to be right for Newcastle," amid transfer speculation and links to Liverpool. The striker reportedly told the club he wants to explore a move away from The Magpies earlier this week, with Premier League champions Liverpool still interested in him after signing Hugo Ekitike.

Howe and Isak

Image credit: Getty Images

Eddie Howe has said that whatever decision is made regarding the future of Alexander Isak "has to be right for Newcastle".

Isak has been subject to transfer speculation over the summer window and earlier this week it was revealed he asked to explore a move away from the club.

The 25-year-old did not travel on the Magpies' pre-season tour of Asia, with Newcastle saying he has a thigh injury.

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The striker has been linked with Liverpool, who are still interested in him despite signing Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike for £69 million.

"Of course there are things going on behind the scenes," Howe told reporters in Singapore on Saturday.

"He will be aware, he's in the news every day and I'm sure that's not easy for anyone in that situation. Conversations that happen between Alex and the club or Alex and myself will stay private for obvious reasons."

Howe continued: "We do share a really good relationship with him. He's been magnificent for us since he's joined. He's very popular in the dressing room. We'd love him to continue his journey at Newcastle.

"Whatever happens has to be right for Newcastle. We are in a very strong position financially. We are determined to be successful. We are ambitious. We've got a great season ahead of us. We need to add to the squad and continue to improve.

"And if the journey can continue to an upward trajectory, I think that's what we all want. So that's what we're battling to try and achieve."

Isak missed the club's first pre-season fixture against Celtic last weekend, after which Howe said he would "absolutely" be part of the touring squad.

"I think I said against Celtic after the game, I certainly hope he stays," he added. "I said I was confident that he'd stay. I don't see anything that's going to change that opinion of mine at the moment, but it's football, and who knows what the future may bring.

"I wouldn't put a timescale on it. I think with these situations, it has to be right for the football club. Obviously, everything is taken into context below that, but the club will make the right decision with all the information that it has.

"Ultimately, to try and move the club forward in whatever way that is. Then it's up to us to make good decisions the other way and try and improve the squad as best we can. That's what we're trying to do, regardless of Alex's situation."

Howe also confirmed that no talks are taking place regarding Isak's contract, which currently runs until 2028.

The Swede has reportedly been offered a huge sum to join Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia, with a wage of £600,000 on the table to leave the Premier League.

"As far as I am aware, I don't think there are any contract talks taking place at the moment," he said.

"I think that would be for a later date potentially. I think for now, with the situation as it is, and the state of the window, in the sense that it's curving towards the end of the window very quickly from our perspective, there's still so much that could happen.

"Those contract talks potentially may take place at a later date."

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