Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has revealed that he does not hold the final decision over the future of Alexander Isak at the club amid growing speculations of a potential departure.
There has been uncertainty surrounding the future of the Sweden striker in recent weeks, with growing interest from Premier League champions Liverpool and Saudi Premier League’s Al Hilal.
Isak was left out of the Magpies preseason tour of Asia due to a thigh injury, after he was also left out of the club’s first preseason action, a 4-0 defeat to Celtic, with Howe dropping the striker due to speculation around his future.
The 25-year-old is open to joining the Reds this summer, who can still afford to match Newcastle’s £150 million valuation, despite recently splashing £79 million for French star Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt.
“He is still our player. He’s contracted to us,” Howe disclosed in an interview.
ICYMI: Eddie Howe reveals desire for Isak to stay at Newcastle United
“We, to a degree, control what is next for him. I would love to believe all possibilities are still available to us. My wish is that he stays, but that’s not in my full control.”
Isak joined Newcastle in 2022 from Spanish side Real Sociedad and was influential as the club ended their 70-year trophy drought last campaign by winning the Carabao Cup.
He scored the Magpies second of the match, after Dan Burn had given them the lead in the first half. Federico Chiesa pulled one back for the league champions as the game ended 2-1 in favor of Newcastle United.
“We have not received a formal offer for Alex, from any club. My wish is that he stays and we see him playing again next year”, Howe added.
Eddie Howe’s side face K-League XI on Wednesday before facing Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday to end their preseason tour of Asia.
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