‘Alexander Isak not with Newcastle squad in Singapore’
Newcastle United’s star striker, Alexander Isak, has been subject to high-profile transfer interest from Premier League champions Liverpool this summer.
The Sweden international was not present when Newcastle were beaten 4-0 by Celtic in their first pre-season friendly on Saturday, 19 July, amid the speculation surrounding his future.
Isak notched 27 goals and six assists in 42 appearances across all competitions for the Magpies last term, leading Liverpool to believe his presence could bolster their attack.
Even though the Reds have now signed fellow striker Hugo Ekitike, Newcastle are set for complex contract negotiations with Isak, as they look to secure his long-term future.
Isak absent from Newcastle pre-season tour amid future speculation
While Newcastle are vying to agree a new contract with Isak, the 25-year-old has not travelled with Eddie Howe’s squad to Singapore and South Korea, where they are facing pre-season friendlies against Arsenal and the K-League All Stars, respectively.
Meanwhile, the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope revealed via X on Thursday, 24 July, that Isak’s absence is due to a thigh injury.
Despite his injury, the striker’s setback will only fuel the speculation surrounding his future.
Howe’s tough summer continues
Football Insider verdict
Although Newcastle have been handed fresh hope that Isak will stay in the North East this summer, thanks to Liverpool’s move for Ekitike, Howe’s pre-season preparations have been far from ideal.
| Alexander Isak stats | Premier League 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 34 |
| Goals | 23 |
| Assists | 6 |
The Magpies have tried and failed to sign key transfer targets, including Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Bryan Mbeumo, and Liverpool new boy Ekitike.
Howe must utilise the summer transfer window and the Magpies’ pre-season friendlies to ready his squad for their upcoming Premier League and Champions League campaigns.
On a positive note, Newcastle remain interested in Yoane Wissa, who can strengthen the North East side’s attack, having excelled for Brentford last season.
However, the fact that Isak has not travelled to Singapore is detrimental to the St James’ Park outfit’s preparations for the new campaign.
Newcastle’s fixtures in Singapore would have handed the Sweden star a key opportunity to establish a strong relationship with summer signing and winger Anthony Elanga.