Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Chairman of Newcastle United, is seen in attendance prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Liverpool at St James' Park on August 25, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)placeholder image
Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Chairman of Newcastle United, is seen in attendance prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Liverpool at St James' Park on August 25, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Newcastle United’s owners were on Tyneside for the Liverpool game and have reportedly held face-to-face talks with Alexander Isak.
Isak was again missing for the Magpies as they suffered a last-minute defeat to Liverpool on Monday night. The Swede wants to join the Premier League champions and has been on strike in an attempt to force a move.
In the hours leading up to kick-off, Mail Sport broke the news that co-owner Jamie Reuben and PIF delegate, Jacobo Solis, had met with Isak at his Northumberland home to try and convince him to stay.
Jamie Reuben and PIF delegate meet Alexander Isak - Eddie Howe responds
The pair were in attendance for the match at St James’ Park, as was chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan.
When asked about the reported meeting after the game, Howe replied: “Yeah, I'm not aware of that, but I've not been party to talks on this for a long time now, so I've been preparing the team and giving all my energy to the players that want to play for Newcastle. I think that's where my energy is best.”
When pressed further on Al-Rumayyan’s visit to Tyneside, Howe said: “I don't know why he's here, in a sense. If that's the main reason he's here, obviously to watch the team, support the team and show his presence, which is much appreciated from my perspective and much loved by everyone when he's here and connecting with the players.
“Yes, you're right, he's the owner, he's the most important person in terms of directing which decisions we make. But as I said, I'm not party to any conversations that have happened today, so I've got no idea in what direction that's headed.”
Eddie Howe calls for Alexander Isak clarity
While Howe was unable to provide any kind of update on Isak, the head coach did outline his desire to see a resolution before the transfer closes next Tuesday.
Indeed, the striker issue has been exacerbated by Anthony Gordon’s red card against Liverpool, which leaves Howe without an experienced option for the next three matches. That said, Will Osula did all he could to stake a claim after scoring to make it 2-2 before Rio Ngumoha clinched a late winner for the Reds.
“Yes, I think that's the idea from everyone,” Howe said. “Our side, Newcastle's side, is we want clarity, we want to move forward, we want the narrative to change because we're in the start of the season now, we're into the action and we've got to get results and we've got to try and focus on what we can control.
“We've given two really, really good performances, we've ended up at one point. That's tough for us to take, especially in this moment, when you're looking for positive to cling to. But we battled through and we've now got on to lead.
“Yes, I think, well, definitely the quality of Alex, I think it would have made a difference in the two games. I don't think there's any denying that. But, that said, the teams function really well, and I think the performance of the players and the team in the two games doesn't happen without every part of the team functioning well.
“You can't carry anyone in this division against any opponent. So, yes, maybe today in that first half, we needed to score when we were on top.And goals do change games, as always. But, just dealing with what we have going on.”
Eddie Howe refutes Alexander Isak ‘dig’ suggestion
In talking about Isak, Howe was asked if he was displaying a frustration towards the player, to which he replied: “No, there's no intentional dig to Alex. But naturally, I want players that are committed to Newcastle.
“That's one of the most important qualities when you put a team out on the pitch, that they show. So, there's no dig to anybody. That's just every manager will feel the same way.”
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