“The situation is far from ideal. It is quite complex” – Howe on Alexander Isak saga

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has admitted he is in the dark over Alexander Isak’s current situation, following reports that the striker is training alone in Spain and a £110 million bid from Liverpool has been rejected.

Isak, 25, was left out of Newcastle’s pre-season tour of Asia due to what the club described as a minor thigh injury, but the Sweden international has since been spotted training at Real Sociedad, his former club. Howe revealed he only found out about it through the media.

“I know where he is through the media,” Howe told reporters in Seoul on Saturday. “The situation is far from ideal. It is quite complex. I think that is all I have got to say.

The comments come after Liverpool made an audacious move to sign the forward, which Newcastle immediately rejected. The club reportedly value Isak closer to £150 million and are not entertaining offers — at least for now.

“I was made aware there was a bid yesterday. That bid was turned down before I heard about it,” Howe added. “There are people back in England dealing with the situation. My wish is still that we see him in a Newcastle shirt again.”

Isak, who signed from Real Sociedad in 2022 for £60 million, was Newcastle’s top scorer last season, playing a key role in the club’s Carabao Cup triumph, their first major domestic trophy in 70 years.

With no direct communication between Howe and the player at this point, the uncertainty around Isak’s future continues to grow.

Newcastle face Tottenham in a pre-season match on Sunday before returning to England. Their Premier League campaign kicks off on 16 August against Aston Villa.