Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe admitted he has not been in touch with Alexander Isak for the past week, calling the current standoff a “lose-lose” for everyone involved.
The Swedish attacker has made it clear he wishes to move to Liverpool, but Newcastle turned down a £110m approach earlier this month.
Following that rejection, the 25-year-old released a public message accusing the club of failing to honour assurances that he would be allowed to depart if a major offer came in. Newcastle answered with their own statement denying any such arrangement existed.
As a result, the forward has been working separately from the rest of the squad. He did not feature in Newcastle’s season opener and will also be absent when the Magpies meet Liverpool on Monday. Howe admitted he cannot predict what resolution, if any, will come before the 1 September transfer deadline.
Communication between player and manager
“I haven’t seen him this week,” Howe said. “When we do meet, we talk normally, there’s no conflict. But right now he’s training later in the day and away from the group. At some point we will catch up.”
The coach stressed he still hopes to count on Isak if he remains at St James’ Park. “He’s signed with us, he’s our footballer. I’d love to have him on the pitch against Liverpool, but that won’t happen, which is unfortunate.”
Reaction of teammates and supporters
Sections of the Newcastle crowd voiced disapproval towards Isak in the away match at Aston Villa last week. Even so, Howe is confident the striker’s colleagues would have no problem welcoming him back.
“The dressing room feels the same as I do. He’s a top-class player and a good person. If he chose to return and play, the group would accept him straight away,” Howe explained.
