The Newcastle striker is expected to return to training this week after missing the trip to the Far East
Alexander Isak of Newcastle United with Eddie Howe the head coach / manager of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Nottingham Forest FC at St James' Park on February 23, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
Alexander Isak of Newcastle United with Eddie Howe the head coach / manager of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Nottingham Forest FC at St James' Park on February 23, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
Eddie Howe and Alexander Isak(Image: Getty Images)
Alexander Isak has been reminded of his responsibilities as a contracted Newcastle United player - by concerned head coach Eddie Howe.
Isak has been offered full support by Howe if he wants to continue being Newcastle's main man, but also told he won't just be able to walk back into the fold - a thorough fitness assessment would be facing him first.
Despite not making the trip to South Korea and missing out on a crucial amount of work and match fitness across all four pre-season matches, Isak has not contacted Howe. A bid north of £100m for Isak was tabled on Friday night but Chronicle Live has been told by Howe that the Reds have not returned with another.
Isak is due back on Tyneside with training set to resume ahead of friendly matches against Espanyol and Atletico Madrid at St James' Park for the Sela Cup weekend. In new quotes, Howe was asked if he had spoken to Isak since the bid from Liverpool went in but he replied simply: "No."
And with suggestions that Isak will return to training, Howe laid out the expectations from the backroom staff with the move to Liverpool not exactly on when Newcastle set off for their 14-hour flight home from Seoul to Newcastle.
Howe said: "He’s like any other player, we would expect him to come in and train as normal."
When asked if Liverpool had been back in touch, Howe said: "Not as far as I know."
And given Howe is essentially head of the transfer committee, he would know but the severity of Isak missing training after his absence in the Far East, combined with the striker training alone in Spain could go up a notch.
Howe did not hide from the fact when it was put to him that snubbing training at Benton with the squad back in Newcastle would be viewed as a different matter now.
Howe said: "Of course it is. But there is also another way to look at this. You have to earn the right to train with us. We’re Newcastle United.
"The player has a responsibility here to be part of a team and part of a squad - you have to act in the right way.
"So that is also at play here. We will make sure that any player does that to earn the right to train with the group.
"No player can expect to act poorly and train with the group as normal."
When asked in his Press conference after the 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur if it was confirmed that Isak was scheduled to train, Howe said: "Of course I'd like him to be, but whether he will I don’t know at this moment in time.
"We have been here with the time difference preparing training and for games. Other people have been dealing with that situation back at home"
KICK OFF - Newcastle United pre-season guide 2025/26
The countdown is on to the 2025/26 Premier League campaign - and our pre-season guide is the ideal way to prepare for the action ahead.
As well as in-depth analysis and opinion on your club, we turn the spotlight on every team battling for top-flight glory - or simply survival in the toughest league in the world!
Also full fixtures guide so you don't miss a game in what is set to be a thrilling season.
Here at ChronicleLive, we are dedicated to bringing you the best Newcastle United coverage and analysis.
Make sure you don't miss out on the latest NUFC news by joining our free WhatsApp group.* *You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.
You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day's biggest stories.