Howe explains Isak’s Celtic friendly omission amid Liverpool speculation | OneFootball

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has expressed confidence that Alexander Isak will remain at the club this summer, despite the striker’s absence from their 4-0 pre-season defeat to Celtic and ongoing interest from Liverpool.

Isak did not travel to Glasgow for Saturday’s friendly, raising eyebrows as speculation around his future continues to swirl. The Sweden international was the only fit senior player omitted from the matchday squad.

Explaining the decision, Howe said: “It was a mixture of managing his workload and trying to keep him away from noise that would not be helpful for him or the team.” He added: “We both felt it was better that he stayed behind and trained.”

Liverpool have been strongly linked with Isak in recent weeks, but Newcastle maintain that no formal bid has been received.

Asked directly about the striker’s future, Howe said: “No assurances in football are ever given, but I’m confident he will stay. He’s trained really well and is very happy here.”

Howe was also clear about the player’s value to the team. “He is absolutely central to what we’re trying to do. He’s irreplaceable in many ways and we are desperate to keep him,” he said.

The Magpies are preparing for their upcoming tour of East Asia, which includes friendlies against Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, and a K-League XI. Isak is expected to be part of the travelling squad.

Howe reiterated that the 24-year-old’s absence against Celtic was not disciplinary. “It was a joint decision. If he had travelled, the spotlight on him would have been distracting for everyone involved,” he explained.

While Isak stayed behind to train, Joelinton — still recovering from injury — was in attendance at Celtic Park. Howe suggested the circumstances were different. “Joelinton being here wasn’t going to cause a stir. With Alex, it would’ve been different.”

So far, Newcastle’s only major summer signing has been Anthony Elanga, with Howe still targeting a centre-back, goalkeeper and additional forward. “I’d like to have done more by now,” Howe admitted. “But we’re working hard to strengthen where we need to.”

Despite the uncertainty, the club remains hopeful of retaining Isak’s services as they prepare for the new Premier League campaign.