Eddie Howe has denied suggestions that Newcastle United are trying to make a statement in their refusal to sell Alexander Isak to Liverpool thus far.
Indeed, while Newcastle know that clubs are interested in their top players, Howe has claimed that the Isak saga is down to nothing more important than a club sticking to their valuation.
If Isak were to get his way and move to Liverpool at a far from perfect time for Newcastle, perhaps other players will take heart. Though there’s no suggestion that the rest of the Newcastle United squad would act like Isak, they would know that kicking up a fuss could mean they get a big move when interest emerges.
Newcastle do not expect Isak to leave this summer and his dream move to Liverpool is now in doubt.
Speaking ahead of Monday’s game against the Reds, however, the Newcastle United manager tried to put the saga into context.
Alexander Isak rues a missed chance during a Premier League game between Newcastle United and West Ham United.
Photo by Alex Dodd – CameraSport via Getty Images
Eddie Howe says Newcastle aren’t trying to send a message over Alexander Isak
Asked if the Newcastle United owners were digging their heels in over Isak because they did not want to be seen to be bullied by another club, Howe gave an interesting answer.
He suggested that for all the talk of grand statements of intent, Newcastle are simply sticking to their valuation – which Liverpool have not yet met – and want to ensure they are only selling on their terms.
“I don’t necessarily think that the club are trying to make that stance, I think they are just reacting to this situation and making decisions based on what they think is the best for Newcastle United,” he said (via The Independent).
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“They are being strong on the valuations of players and on how a player leaves the football club. All of these things are important. They are important on this situation and also the future.”
What PIF were thinking when they valued Alexander Isak at £150m+
The Sweden international has never been for sale, but perhaps owners PIF would have relented if Newcastle had signed two forwards this summer and Liverpool met their valuation.
There have been claims Liverpool do not want to pay £150million for Isak, which is the magic number generally reported as Newcastle’s valuation.
Interestingly, Luke Edwards took to social media platform X on Sunday. He revealed that Newcastle in fact slapped a price tag in excess of £150million on him for a reason.
They think that the only way in which they were to have sold Isak is if someone pays well above market value.