Eddie Howe has once again been asked about Alexander Isak but he didn’t sound as defiant as Newcastle United’s latest stance.
It’s never a dull week at Newcastle United, but sadly, it’s never a particularly good one this summer either, as one blow has come after the other.
Though there was the good news of Newcastle closing in on Malick Thiaw from AC Milan on Saturday, that was tempered by bad news elsewhere.
Benjamin Sesko’s move to Manchester United was officially confirmed and Anthony Gordon limped off the pitch with an injury in the final pre-season friendly.
Eddie Howe’s side finished their pre-season campaign with an uninspiring 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid, ensuring they didn’t win any of their six friendlies.
The Alexander Isak saga is continuing to storm on, too, with the striker not involved in either of the two friendlies over the weekend and unlikely to play against Aston Villa.
Howe was asked several questions about the star striker following the defeat to Atletico.
Alexander Isak takes part in a Newcastle United training session in pre-season.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Eddie Howe stops short of saying Alexander Isak will not be sold in transfer window
Understandably, Howe’s pre-match press conference was dominated by questions on Isak’s status.
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When asked by one reporter if he is ‘hopeful you can change Alexander Isak’s mind?’, Howe did not have much gusto in his response.
He simply replied: “If it was that easy, I’d have done it yesterday.”
Eddie Howe on Isak:
Q: “Are you hopeful you can change Alexander Isak’s mind?”
A: “If it was that easy, I’d have done it yesterday…”#NUFC pic.twitter.com/saGv8AxhwC
— Keith Downie (@SkySports_Keith) August 9, 2025
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Isak has been training alone this week, and when asked what it would take for him to be reintegrated with the squad, Howe said: “That’s not for me to answer, that’s for Alex to answer.”
Finally, when asked about the reports that Isak has been told he will not be sold this summer, Howe revealed he is not aware of such a conversation.
He said: “No, that’s not something I’m aware of. I’m not party to all discussions, but I have no knowledge of that
“I want players who really want to play for this club”
🚨 Eddie Howe on reports Alexander Isak has been told by club he is staying
🗣️ "No, that’s not something I'm aware of. I’m not party to all discussions, but I have no knowledge of that"
❓ Says all outcomes possible & adds: "I want players who really want to play for this club" pic.twitter.com/KILzHqvkbe
— Craig Hope (@CraigHope_DM) August 9, 2025
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Newcastle have reportedly made it clear Isak is not for sale
Even though Newcastle are closing in on signing Yoane Wissa to finally add a striker to their ranks, losing on Sesko has seemingly put an end to Isak’s chances of joining Liverpool.
The Telegraph reported on Friday that Isak has been told he will not be sold to Liverpool this summer, which was said to have left the Swede furious.
It was added that Isak had refused to accept the decision in good grace, which has resulted in him training away from his teammates.
If true, Howe’s stance certainly seems softer than the club’s, with the manager hardly making it clear he will not be sold in the summer when asked.
His comments may give hope to Liverpool fans who are desperate to see Isak move to Anfield.