Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has attributed the absence of star striker Alexander Isak in the 4-0 loss to Celtic on Saturday to transfer speculations of a move away from the club.
Isak has been linked with a move away from the Magpies this summer, with Premier League champions Liverpool and Saudi giants Al-Hilal interested in his services.
The Sweden international missed Newcastle’s first taste of preseason action ahead of the 2025-26 season on Saturday, although Howe remained confident of his commitment.
“It was my decision,” Howe said postmatch about Isak’s absence. “He travelled back to Glasgow with us but I decided to send him home due to the speculation around him.
The last thing he wanted is to be sat in the stand watching, that wasn’t fair to him. But I’m confident he will be a Newcastle player come the end of the window.”
Arne Engels opened the scoring for the Scottish champions in the first half before a goalkeeping howler by Nick Pope allowed Johnny Kenny to double the lead.
Despite several changes at halftime, including a debut for £55 million signing Anthony Elanga, Celtic made it three through Yan Hyun-Jun in the 53rd minute.
Read here: Elanga ready for action after completing Newcastle move
Substitute Liam Scales completed the rout with a fourth, as Newcastle preseason campaign got off to a worst possible start.
“Yes I’ve had discussions with him, but that’s not abnormal,” Howe added. “I respect a player’s career and how short it is. Alex has been really good, he’s trained really well and I realise there’ll be noise around him.”
The Magpies will hope to have Isak back for their next preseason action against league rivals Arsenal in Singapore on the 27th of July.
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