Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe admits that the transfer speculation surrounding Alexander Isak is ‘far from ideal’. Liverpool has reportedly made a £110 million bid for the striker, which Newcastle rejected. Isak has been training alone at Real Sociedad. Newcastle are eyeing Benjamin Sesko as a potential replacement.
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has acknowledged that the swirling transfer speculation surrounding striker Alexander Isak is less than ideal for the team's preparations. This comes after reports surfaced of Liverpool's interest in the Swedish international.
According to sources, Newcastle recently rejected a substantial £110 million bid from Liverpool, the reigning Premier League champions. The Magpies reportedly value Isak, who was a standout performer last season with 23 goals in the top flight, at approximately £150 million.
Adding to the intrigue, Isak was notably absent from Newcastle's pre-season tour of Asia, which culminated in a match against Tottenham in Seoul. While the club cited a minor thigh issue as the reason for his absence, reports suggest that Isak has expressed a desire to leave the club.
Beyond Liverpool's interest, Isak has also been linked with a potential move to the Saudi Pro League, with Al-Hilal reportedly among the interested parties. Furthermore, Howe revealed that Isak has been training independently at his former club, Real Sociedad, information he gleaned through social media.
Howe addressed the situation during a news conference, stating, "I think from my situation, I am very much removed from everything that is happening back home. I was made aware there was a bid yesterday. That bid was turned down before I heard about it. There are people back in England dealing with the situation."
He continued, "I really don't know what is going to happen next but, from our perspective, we still support Alex in every way and my wish is still that we see him in a Newcastle shirt again."
Isak's arrival at Newcastle from Real Sociedad in August 2022 has been marked by impressive performances, with 62 goals and 10 assists in 109 appearances across all competitions. He achieved the distinction of being the first Newcastle player to score 23 goals in a Premier League campaign since Alan Shearer in 2001-02.
Notably, Isak played a crucial role in Newcastle's EFL Cup victory in March, scoring the second goal in their 2-1 triumph over Liverpool, securing the club's first domestic trophy since the 1954-55 FA Cup.
Regarding his communication with Isak, Howe admitted, "I know where he is through the media, so I think from that perspective it's difficult for me to go into any detail. The situation is far from ideal. It is quite complex. I think that is all I have got to say."
In light of Isak's potential departure, Newcastle has reportedly shown interest in RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko as a possible replacement. Reports indicate that the Magpies have submitted a formal bid for Sesko, offering €75 million (£65.5 million) plus €5 million (£4.3 million) in add-ons, matching Leipzig's valuation.