We are going to miss a player of Alex’s quality- Newcastle Manager on Isak’s impending departure

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has all but confirmed striker Alexander Isak’s departure from the Magpies amid heavy transfer speculation surrounding the Swedish player.

Howe made these comments in an interview while Newcastle are on their preseason tour in Singapore after losing 3-2 to Arsenal in a friendly game.

Isak has been heavily linked with a move to English Premier League champions Liverpool after stating his wish to explore transfer options in this offseason.

The 25 year old has scored 62 goals in 109 games in all competitions in three seasons at Newcastle and scored in the club’s triumph over Liverpool in last season’s Carabao Cup final. Winning the title ended Newcastle’s 70 year domestic trophy drought.

“We have to try and be at our best. So naturally, I think we’re going to miss a player of Alex’s quality and the group are going to feel that.”

“There’s no denying that and I can’t sit here and claim that they [the players] won’t [be affected]. But they’re a very professional group of players” Howe said.

Newcastle have been linked with a move for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko as a replacement for Isak.