‘We’re not deluded’: Howe addresses need for signings amid Isak saga
Alexander Isak to Miss Entire Asia Tour as Eddie Howe Admits Newcastle’s Need for Signings Amid Frustrating Transfer Window
Alexander Isak will play no part in Newcastle United’s pre-season tour of Asia, with manager Eddie Howe confirming the striker’s absence is now definitive. The Swedish international was notably excluded from the squad that traveled to Singapore and South Korea last week, and Howe has now ruled out any possibility of Isak linking up with the team later on during the tour.
Initially, the club had attributed Isak’s absence to a minor thigh strain. However, it has since emerged that the 24-year-old informed Newcastle of his desire to explore opportunities elsewhere this summer, amid mounting interest from Premier League champions Liverpool. The Reds have reportedly made enquiries about the forward, whose performances since arriving from Real Sociedad have garnered widespread acclaim.
Isak’s omission comes at a time of growing uncertainty and frustration for Newcastle in the transfer market. Following their 3-2 loss to Arsenal in Singapore—a match that capped off a disappointing stint in the city after a 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Celtic—Howe addressed the media and was unequivocal when asked whether Isak might still fly out to South Korea for the next leg of the pre-season preparations. His response was blunt: “No.”
That disappointment adds to a summer window that has seen the Magpies miss out on several priority targets. Promising striker Hugo Ekitike opted to join Liverpool, while goalkeeper James Trafford made the switch to Manchester City. To make matters worse, Newcastle’s attempt to sign Brentford attacker Yoane Wissa has hit a significant snag.
When quizzed post-match about whether reinforcements are necessary—particularly in attack—Howe didn’t mince words. “Of course, we’re not deluded,” he said. “We know that we need to bring players in. We’ve known that for quite a while. At the end of last season, we had a clear plan in place, but it’s been a very challenging transfer window. Let’s see what we can do before it closes.”
Update on Newcastle’s Pursuit of Yoane Wissa
Meanwhile, Brentford striker Yoane Wissa remains keen on a move to St. James’ Park. Sources close to the player suggest he is increasingly frustrated with his current club, feeling betrayed after allegedly being given assurances last season that he would be allowed to leave this summer—especially following Ivan Toney’s sale. However, Brentford are adamant that no such promise was made.
The West London side have already rejected multiple bids for the Congolese forward, including one from Nottingham Forest in January, and more recently, offers worth around £25 million from both Forest and Newcastle. Brentford’s reluctance to part ways with Wissa is understandable, given they have already lost key figures like Bryan Mbeumo, Christian Norgaard, and long-time manager Thomas Frank this summer.
Wissa, who has just one year remaining on his current deal—although Brentford do hold an option for an additional year—has reportedly refused to train or feature in any pre-season matches until his situation is resolved. The player believes this transfer window could be his last real opportunity to secure Champions League football, something Newcastle can potentially offer.
Brentford’s interim manager Keith Andrews has expressed hope that Wissa will rejoin the squad soon, after the 27-year-old left the club’s training camp in Portugal to hold talks about his future. However, unless a breakthrough is reached in negotiations, Wissa’s situation may continue to cast a shadow over both clubs as the season draws closer.
A Critical Period for the Magpies
With pre-season winding down and the Premier League kick-off fast approaching, Newcastle are now under increasing pressure to strengthen a squad that is currently thin in several key areas. Isak’s desire to leave and the stalled negotiations for new signings have only compounded the concerns at St. James’ Park.
Eddie Howe will be hoping the club can make swift progress in the final weeks of the transfer window. Otherwise, a campaign that promises European competition could quickly turn into a struggle, especially if their attacking options remain as limited as they are now.