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Key Points

Newcastle United's head coach Eddie Howe has publicly addressed rumors surrounding Alexander Isak's potential transfer this summer. Despite speculation linking the Swedish striker with Liverpool, PSG, and Al-Hilal, Howe remains confident Isak will stay at the club. Isak played a pivotal role in Newcastle's successful previous season, scoring 27 goals and helping secure Champions League qualification. The club is preparing for the upcoming season with a focus on stability and squad improvement.

Key Points: Howe Confident Isak Stays Amid Transfer Speculation

  • Isak scored 27 goals across 42 games last season
  • Newcastle rejects potential transfer interest from top clubs
  • Howe maintains confidence in striker's commitment
  • Pre-season preparation continues despite transfer speculation
2 min read

Things are going on behind the scenes, confident he will stay: Howe on Isak

Newcastle coach Eddie Howe dismisses Isak transfer rumors, affirms striker's crucial role after breakthrough season and Carabao Cup victory

"Of course, there are things going on behind the scenes. We'd love him to continue his journey at Newcastle. - Eddie Howe"

Singapore, July 26

Amid rumours of Newcastle forward Alexander Isak hoping to leave the club during the summer transfer window, head coach Eddie Howe admitted that there are things going on behind the scenes, but he is confident that the Swedish striker will stay at the club.

On Thursday, Isak was left out of Newcastle's pre-season squad citing a thigh injury, however, ESPN report suggested that Isak has informed the club that he wishes to leave and Liverpool, PSG and Al-Hilal are the three clubs interested. Newcastle are said to be not interested in letting him go.

"Of course, there are things going on behind the scenes. Conversations will remain private. We'd love him to continue his journey at Newcastle. We're in a strong position financially and we're determined to be successful.

"As far as I'm aware, contract talks aren't taking place, there's still so much that could happen. I hope he stays. At the moment, l'm confident he stays. There's no timescale on it. The club will make the right decision and we're trying to improve the squad regardless of Alex's situation. We want stability and want the group to have a good feeling, I don't think we're distracted," said Howe in the pre-game press conference.

Isak played a huge role in Newcastle's solid season, with 27 goals across 42 games in all competitions and secured UCL football for next season, while also ending the team's trophy drought by lifting the Carabao Cup.

Newcastle will face Arsenal at the Singapore National Stadium on Sunday as part of their pre-season preparations.

"There was a bit of fatigue in the training today. The heat was one thing, but I think the players were still adjusting to time zones, so I think it's a definite advantage for Arsenal tomorrow, having been here for much longer than we have.

"But it's a pre-season game, so we just want to get certain bits from the game; we want to be fitter, we want to be tactically better. We're up against a really good opponent so I think the game's a great one for us in terms of how we perform," he added.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
Interesting how Howe is handling this. In India, we see so many ISL players switching clubs every season. Maybe our clubs should also focus more on stability like Newcastle is trying to do. The grass isn't always greener elsewhere!
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Ananya R
I don't understand why players always want to leave when things are going well. Isak is worshipped by Newcastle fans, has UCL football next season - what more does he want? 🤔 This reminds me of when Sunil Chhetri almost left Bengaluru FC in their prime.
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Vikram M
Respectfully disagree with Howe's approach. If a player wants to leave, let him go. Newcastle should cash in and reinvest. We've seen in IPL how holding onto unhappy players can backfire. Better to have players who are 100% committed to the project.
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Priya S
The Singapore heat comment is so relatable! Indian players must be laughing reading this - they deal with 40°C regularly during ISL matches. Maybe Newcastle should come train in Goa for pre-season next year to prepare better! 😅
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Karthik V
As someone who follows both EPL and ISL closely, I appreciate Howe's transparency. Indian coaches could learn from his media handling - neither revealing too much nor being completely opaque. Perfect balance in his statements today.

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