Newcastle United will be without talismanic striker Alexander Isak for their pre-season tour of Asia amid growing uncertainty surrounding the future of the prolific Sweden international.
Isak, who was one of the most prolific strikers in the Premier League with 23 goals last season, has been the subject of interest from Liverpool, while Saudi Pro League giants Al Hilal have also been reported to be eyeing a move for the 25-year-old.
After Liverpool’s transfer approach was swiftly rejected, Isak missed Newcastle’s first pre-season friendly against Celtic, with manager Eddie Howe choosing to shield the Swedish striker from the resulting media scrutiny.
Though Liverpool have since signed Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt, they reportedly remain keen on a move for Isak, who they see as the ideal center forward to lead Arne Slot’s frontline next season.
Speculation intensified after The Magpies excluded Isak from their pre-season travelling squad, citing a “minor thigh injury” as the reason. He had been seen training alone beforehand, common for both recovering players and those eyeing a move, sparking debate on social media.
Adding fuel to the rumours, Isak’s agent recently hinted that a decision on the forward’s “next step” was imminent but declined to offer further details, raising eyebrows with the cryptic comment.
Newcastle are eager to tie the Swede down with a new deal that would likely make him the club’s highest-paid player. However, reported demands for a significant wage increase have complicated negotiations.
Eddie Howe has publicly expressed confidence that Isak will remain at the club by the beginning of the 2025/2026 Premier League season, though he took time out to emphasize that he couldn’t offer any guarantees in the long run.
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