JUST IN: Alexander Isak shocking request issued by Eddie Howe as Newcastle United reality dawns
Eddie Howe Pleads for Alexander Isak’s Return Amid Growing Transfer Uncertainty
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has publicly called on Alexander Isak to reintegrate with the first-team squad, admitting there remains a genuine possibility the Swedish striker could refuse to be involved when the Magpies face Aston Villa next weekend.
Speaking after Newcastle’s 2-2 draw against Espanyol at St James’ Park, Howe faced the local press for the first time since returning from last week’s pre-season tour of the Far East. It was also the first time he had personally met with Isak since the forward withdrew from the travelling party and declined to board the flight to Singapore.
Howe revealed that he had urged Isak to don the famous black-and-white shirt once again, but conceded that the ongoing transfer saga might already be too advanced to reverse. “I want him playing today and training tomorrow. No part of me doesn’t want that outcome,” Howe told reporters. “Let me be absolutely clear — we would love the player to be with us. But I don’t see the current situation changing before Aston Villa next Saturday.”
While discussions have taken place behind closed doors, Howe confirmed that Isak remains in solo training and has yet to rejoin the main group. “We’ve had discussions and it’s clear at the moment we can’t have him involved with the group,” he said. “I don’t know how long that will be for. It’s clear I can’t involve him with the team at the moment. He is training later than the rest of the squad. There have been talks since the tour, but I don’t think any disciplinary action has been taken.”
The situation leaves Howe in a difficult position — juggling the delicate task of persuading one of his key players to commit to the team while simultaneously pushing to sign a new striker before the transfer deadline. Asked whether this was the most challenging period of his managerial career, Howe paused before reflecting: “There have been many difficult moments in my career, and it’s hard to place one above the other. This may be the most high-profile, but that doesn’t necessarily make it the most challenging.
“In management, you’re always dealing with issues — every day there’s a problem or a decision that needs solving. This is one of those situations. I just hope for a positive outcome and a resolution, whatever that looks like, because ultimately, the most important thing is the club and the team — not any single individual.”
The uncertainty surrounding Isak’s future continues to dominate headlines, with Newcastle fans left wondering whether they will see the prolific forward in black-and-white again, or if his time on Tyneside is coming to an abrupt and unceremonious end.