Howe admits that he and Isak discussed the potential exit but is “confident” the attacker will remain

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said he was convinced that striker Alexander Isak would be at the Premier League club at the start of the 2025-26 season, after leaving Swedish of their friendly defeat 4-0 against Celtic because of the transfer conference.

The British media reported earlier this week that the Premier League Liverpool champions were interested in signing the 25 -year -old Swedish international, who is still three years old on his Newcastle contract.

Isak won 23 goals in the Premier League last season, only behind Liverpool Talisman and the winner of the Boot d’Or Mohamed Salah (29).

Isak, crowned 52 times for his country, joined Newcastle from Spanish Side Real Sociedad in 2022 and has since marked 62 times in 109 appearances for the Magpies all competitions.

“It was my decision. He returned to Glasgow with us but I decided to send him home because of the speculation around him”, “ Howe told journalists after Saturday’s match.

“The last thing he wanted is to sit in the stand, it was not fair for him. But I am convinced that he will be a Newcastle player at the end of the window.

“It is difficult for me to give 100% clarity on any player. Alex is happy in Newcastle, he loves players, the staff, the team. I am convinced that he will be here at the start of the season.

“Yes, I had discussions with him but it is not abnormal. I respect the career of a player and how much it’s short. Alex was really good, he trained very well and I realize that there will be noise around him.”

Newcastle, who qualified for football from the Champions League after finishing fifth in the Premier League last season, will then be in action against Arsenal in a friendly match in Singapore next Sunday.