Eddie Howe has confirmed Alexander Isak was sent home from Newcastle’s friendly against Celtic due to escalating Liverpool transfer rumours. The striker’s future remains uncertain as speculation over a record-breaking move intensifies.
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has acknowledged that Alexander Isak’s omission from their pre-season friendly against Celtic was directly linked to ongoing transfer speculation surrounding the striker. The Swedish international was sent home ahead of the match at Parkhead, with Howe confirming the decision was made to protect the player amid mounting rumours of a blockbuster move to Liverpool.
The Magpies fell to a sobering 4-0 defeat in Glasgow, but the biggest talking point was Isak’s absence from the squad. Liverpool have been heavily linked with a record-smashing £130 million bid for the 25-year-old, and the situation is clearly weighing on everyone involved—even if Newcastle remain adamant that their star man is not for sale.
“It was my decision,” Howe explained post-match. “I decided to send him home due to the speculation around him. The last thing he wanted was to be sat in the stand watching. That wasn’t fair to him.”
While Howe remains hopeful that Isak will stay at St. James’ Park for the 2025/26 season, he was candid about the uncertainty. “It’s difficult for me to give 100% clarity on any player,” he admitted. “Alex is happy at Newcastle—he loves the players, the staff, the team. I’m confident he’ll be here at the start of the season.”
Isak, who scored 27 goals across all competitions last term, has become the centerpiece of Newcastle’s attack and is regarded as one of the Premier League’s most complete forwards. His dynamic movement, technical quality, and clinical edge make him an ideal fit for Arne Slot’s Liverpool rebuild—a fact that has not gone unnoticed on Merseyside.
Also absent from the Celtic match was Joelinton, who watched from the stands. Howe confirmed that neither player is injured but hinted at a cautious approach with both during pre-season preparations. “Both are fit but not ready to play,” he said. “Alex has trained and is fine, but we didn’t want to take the risk with him.”
Newcastle’s transfer window has been turbulent. Their chase for Hugo Ekitike collapsed, and the club has so far managed just one senior signing—Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest. With uncertainty around Isak and limited attacking reinforcements, frustration is beginning to bubble among the fanbase.
Newcastle remain resolute in their stance on Isak, but as Liverpool continue to press, the saga could quickly escalate. If the Magpies are serious about maintaining their ambitions for the upcoming season, keeping hold of their No. 9 may be non-negotiable.
