Newcastle United's star striker Alexander Isak has received a stern reminder from head coach Eddie Howe about his obligations to the club. Amidst transfer speculation, Howe has extended full support to Isak in his role at Newcastle but emphasised that re-entry into the team isn't guaranteed.
Isak, who missed the pre-season tour in South Korea, thus lacking vital match fitness and training, hasn't reached out to Howe. After a hefty £110million bid from Liverpool on Friday night, Howe has confirmed that no follow-up offer has been made.
The Swedish forward is expected back at Newcastle for training as they prepare for upcoming friendlies against Espanyol and Atletico Madrid at St James' Park for the Sela Cup weekend. When queried about any communication with Isak since Liverpool's bid, Howe simply stated: "No."
Howe also clarified the stance of the coaching staff regarding Isak's return to training amidst the uncertainty of his move to Liverpool, especially as the team embarked on their lengthy journey back from Seoul. He remarked: "He's like any other player, we would expect him to come in and train as normal."
On the topic of further contact from Liverpool, Howe's response was clear: "Not as far as I know."
And given Howe's pivotal role as head of the transfer committee, he's well aware that Isak's absence from training after missing the Far East trip, coupled with the striker's solitary training in Spain, could escalate.
Howe openly acknowledged the gravity of the situation when questioned about the potential repercussions of Isak skipping training at Benton while the squad was back in Newcastle.
Howe remarked: "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."
In his Press conference following Sunday's 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur, when probed about Isak's training schedule, Howe stated: "Of course I'd like him to be there, 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."