Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has dropped a major hint about the club’s striker situation ahead of Monday night’s clash with Liverpool.
Howe has confirmed that Alexander Isak will not play for Newcastle United against Liverpool amid ongoing speculation about his future, meaning Anthony Gordon looks set to start up front once again.
Indeed, Newcastle have struggled to sign a striker all summer. Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko have all gone elsewhere amid interest from St James’ Park.
Newcastle are still hoping to sign Yoane Wissa but even his arrival would not necessarily open the door for Isak to go. Wissa is viewed as Callum Wilson’s replacement and there’s no guarantee he will even make the move at this point.
Isak is increasingly likely to stay at Newcastle but, with the transfer window still open, there’s naturally still a chance he could go.
The Newcastle United manager, however, doesn’t think owners PIF will leave him in a scenario where Isak is sold without a replacement arriving.
Eddie Howe embraces Alexander Isak during Newcastle United vs Nottingham Forest.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Eddie Howe drops Alexander Isak hint
Speaking ahead of Newcastle’s huge game against Liverpool on Monday, Howe admitted he didn’t think the Newcastle United owners would sell Isak without signing a replacement.
Howe admits that having only William Osula – who has been linked with a move away himself – as a natural senior striker would be too much of a risk.
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“I don’t think the club will allow that situation to happen,” he said when asked about the prospect of losing Isak without signing a replacement (via The Independent).
Player Goals (all competitions)
Alexander Isak 27
Harvey Barnes 9
Jacob Murphy 9
Anthony Gordon 9
Sandro Tonali 6
Newcastle United’s top scorers in 2024/25 season
“We certainly can’t go through the season with no recognised striker at the football club – and that’s no disrespect to Will Osula.
“I think he’s doing really well and he’s progressing really well, but he’s got limited experience in the Premier League, although I’m really happy with his career progression.
“But Alex at the moment would be the only striker we have with Premier League history of goals and appearances and starts, so we can’t leave ourselves in that position.”
Alexander Isak looks set for his biggest Newcastle United challenge yet
It would be foolish to absolutely rule out the possibility of Isak leaving Newcastle this summer.
However, as deadline day draws closer, it’s getting harder to see a way out for him.
Newcastle have seemingly tried to replace Isak but they just cannot do it. Signing one striker has evaded them all summer, let alone two.
Isak could play for Newcastle again in September, once the transfer window is shut.
Somehow getting fans back on board would surely be his biggest challenge yet…