Eddie Howe Avoids Discussing Alexander Isak’s Future Amid Newcastle’s Premier League Opener
Newcastle United’s head coach, Eddie Howe, has chosen not to comment on the future of forward Alexander Isak, who was notably absent from the squad for the crucial Premier League match against Aston Villa on Sunday. The 25-year-old striker appears eager to depart Tyneside, reportedly attracted by interest from Liverpool under manager Arne Slot.
Isak’s commitment to Newcastle is in question, as he has expressed a firm desire not to play for the club again, despite Newcastle’s insistence that their star player is not for sale. In his absence, Howe has opted for a front three comprising Harvey Barnes, Anthony Gordon, and Anthony Elanga to kick off their Premier League campaign on a positive note.
When asked by TNT Sports if he was ‘disappointed’ with Isak’s behavior, Howe sidestepped the inquiry, stating, "Now is not the time to discuss that. All my emotions are focused on this game." He emphasized the importance of mental preparation for the challenging match against Aston Villa.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Isak, Howe conveyed that the team is maintaining a positive outlook as they gear up for their season opener. "We’ve been without him for a number of weeks and are adapting to that while striving to remain competitive. Today will be a significant test for us," he remarked.
Howe expressed confidence in the strength of his squad, acknowledging the challenges posed by Aston Villa’s lineup. "We believe in the team we’ve selected today. While there have been distractions during pre-season, that’s been my concern, not the players’."
As the transfer window approaches its deadline on September 1, all eyes will be on whether Isak will make the move to Liverpool, adding further intrigue to Newcastle’s evolving situation.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as Newcastle United looks to navigate the challenges ahead while keeping their Premier League ambitions alive.