The Newcastle manager insists he still wants Isak to be part of his squad this season despite the Swedish striker’s statement accusing the club of going back on their word
Your support helps us to tell the story
Support Now
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.
Eddie Howe has described Alexander Isak’s statement accusing Newcastle of breaking promises over his desired transfer to Liverpool as a “sad moment”.
Isak claimed Newcastle have reneged on their vow to allow the striker to leave St James’ Park this summer, after the club rejected a £110m offer from Liverpool. Newcastle responded with a counter-statement suggesting Isak would be staying this season and underlining that they “do not foresee those conditions [of a sale] being met]” before the transfer deadline on 1 September.
Howe insists he still wants Isak to be part of the squad, despite the Swedish international staying clear of training in protest amid a deepening rift between player and club. The manager also confirmed that Isak will not be part of the group that faces Liverpool in the Premier League on Monday evening.
“It was a sad moment,” Howe said, when asked for his reaction to Isak’s statement. “My preference is these things do not happen publicly. They are better dealt with behind closed doors. But needs must: the club has spoken, and justifiably so in that moment.
“He’s contracted to us. He’s our player. My wish is that he would be playing on Monday. He won’t be, and that’s regrettable. But 100 per cent I want him back in a Newcastle shirt.”
more to follow...