Howe stays guarded on Isak’s future as Liverpool interest continues to grow | OneFootball

Liverpool Watch Isak as Eddie Howe Hints at Uncertainty

Howe’s honesty fuels Liverpool speculation

In a sport often cloaked in cliché, Eddie Howe’s recent remarks carry the faint scent of something more revealing. When asked about Alexander Isak’s future, the Newcastle manager didn’t offer the usual wall of deflection. Instead, he let a little light in: “There are no contract talks taking place. That will be for a later date potentially. I certainly hope he stays. It’s football; who knows what the future may bring.”

That “who knows” will do little to silence the growing chorus linking the 25-year-old striker to Liverpool. Howe, speaking during Newcastle’s pre-season tour in the Far East, also acknowledged: “Of course there are things going on behind the scenes. Conversations that happen between Alex and myself, and Alex and the club, will stay private. Whatever happens has to be for the best of the club.”

For a club reportedly reluctant to part with one of their prized assets, this sounds suspiciously like groundwork being laid — not necessarily for an immediate sale, but for the eventuality of one.

Isak remains at the heart of Liverpool’s interest

Liverpool’s admiration for Isak isn’t new. The Swedish international has long drawn glances from Anfield, but recent developments have added real urgency. According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Isak recently asked not to travel with Newcastle’s squad on their pre-season tour — a move that rarely signifies contentment.

Photo IMAGO

Meanwhile, The Liverpool Echo’s Ian Doyle suggests Arne Slot’s side are “primed to make a sensational move” for the forward, with Newcastle valuing Isak in excess of £120 million. That’s a considerable fee, but in a market where elite strikers are a scarce breed, Liverpool may well be tempted to test Newcastle’s resolve.

Squad rebuild leaves space for a statement signing

With Hugo Ekitike arriving to strengthen the Reds’ attacking options, one might assume Liverpool’s business up front is done. But Isak would not be an ordinary addition. Tall, elegant, technically sublime — the 25-year-old is the sort of striker who doesn’t just score goals but gives structure to a system.

Should he arrive, it could also pave the way for exits. Luis Díaz and Darwin Núñez have both attracted interest across Europe, and while neither seems surplus to requirements, an offer of the right magnitude could alter that equation — particularly if Isak is already lacing up his boots at Anfield.

Isak’s next move remains uncertain — for now

There is a long road between interest and acquisition, and Liverpool know that better than most. But Howe’s reluctance to rule anything out, Isak’s own hesitations, and Liverpool’s ambitions under Slot form a curious triangle.

What once felt speculative is now, at the very least, plausible. And as the transfer window rumbles on, Alexander Isak may just become the headline act in Liverpool’s summer theatre.