Eddie Howe has told talkSPORT that Newcastle United are eager to find clarity over Alexander Isak’s future after the striker refused to play and missed their Premier League opener against Aston Villa.
The Sweden international was left out of the Magpies’ 0-0 draw at Villa Park, having been banished from training following his refusal to attend pre-season. The standoff comes after Newcastle rejected a £110 million bid from Liverpool, with Isak reportedly telling the club he would not play for them again.
Howe: “We would like closure on it”
Speaking to talkSPORT’s Sam Matterface, Howe conceded the saga has become a distraction:
“*We’re keen for a resolution because the consistent noise around the team isn’t helpful for any team. We’re aware of that, we would like closure on it, but we’re not in charge of when.*”
The Newcastle boss admitted the situation had tested his squad but praised their resilience in responding against Villa.
“*We had to change the narrative around us really because everything was negative and sometimes that can consume you. This is a unique situation and a difficult situation for the players to handle but today I think they were brilliant in their response.*”
What next for Newcastle?
Asked if the outcome would see Isak replaced in the transfer market or reintegrated into the side, Howe was non-committal.
“*I don’t know the answer to be honest. I’ve got no guarantee. We are active in the market but I think you could see today by what happened on the pitch, Anthony Gordon looked very good as a centre forward. So I’d rather focus on the players we have here.*”
Gordon, who led the line in Isak’s absence, won plaudits for his performance and earned praise from Howe for his pace and ability to trouble defenders.
Gordon: “We’re still together”
Speaking to TNT Sports, Gordon admitted the saga had tested the dressing room but insisted Newcastle’s togetherness remains intact.
“*It has been difficult because we’re such a tight knit group. We’ve never had any problems publicly so that being the first thing that’s happened has tested us, but you’ve seen today we’ve still got that spirit and togetherness.*”
The former Everton winger, a boyhood Liverpool fan, also delivered a warning ahead of Newcastle’s clash with the Reds at St James’ Park.
“*Things like this can test you and make you better in the end and I think that’s going to be the case. I’m sure the atmosphere is going to be a bit wild [against Liverpool]. I’m just excited to see the home fans again and get back in the stadium, it’s going to be a top game.*”
With Isak still refusing to feature and Newcastle standing firm on their valuation, the deadlock appears set to continue. Howe’s priority is making sure the ongoing saga doesn’t unsettle his squad further — and Gordon’s sharp display provides much needed encouragement that the Magpies can adapt even without their star striker.