Eddie Howe had plenty to say after our superb 4-0 win at Ipswich yesterday, with one of the post-match topics centring around hat-trick hero Alexander Isak.
Arsenal have been regularly linked with a move in 2025 and the Gunners’ interest may only increase following the Swede’s stunning treble at Portman Road.
However, Howe made Newcastle’s stance clear in his press conference after the game and also shed light on his contract situation.
Howe insisted that no one at the club has any interest in Isak, explaining that he’s a massive part of our long-term plans.
“Makes me laugh! Yeah absolutely,” Howe said when asked if he plans to keep Isak at the club. “There’s no part of me or anyone at Newcastle that wants to let Alex go. He’s very much part of our long-term plans. Personally, I don’t see that being an issue.”
Howe’s next line was perhaps the most encouraging, saying “every conversation” he’s had with the striker regarding his future at Newcastle has been “very positive”, suggesting he’s by no means angling for a move.
“Every conversation I’ve had concerning his future with him has been very positive,” Howe said. “I’d love, for him, with the other players to be the man that contributes to us winning a trophy, that’s the aim.”
Previous reports have stated that talks over a new improved deal for Isak had ‘stalled’ – but Howe has set the record straight, revealing that talks are yet to even start due to him still having a ‘long contract’ with the club.
“I don’t think contract talks started, I think that’s the issue,” Howe said when asked about his deal, which still has three and a half years left to run.
“If you are going to say they stalled when they never started that’s a problem! He has a long contract and I’m sure when the time comes that will be discussed Alex’s representatives and the football club but I don’t really know too much more than that.
“I don’t think necessarily at this stage we have to (convince him to stay). “He’s motivated, wants to do well and has big aspirations with his career. He still relatively young so he has hopefully got a really bright future ahead of him – his desire to score goals is second to none.”
Promising words from Howe. Interest is inevitable and it’ll be vital that we qualify for European football next season, but it’s