JAKARTA - Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has admitted that wanted-out striker Alexander Isak is unlikely to feature in the Premier League season opener against Aston Villa.
The 25-year-old Swedish international was not involved in the 2-2 Intercontinental Cup draw against Espanyol at St James' Park on Saturday, August 9, 2025 WIB. He also did not feature when Howe fielded his team against Atletico Madrid the following day.
Howe revealed that negotiations with Isak—who was the subject of a £110 million (R2.4 trillion) bid from Liverpool—are ongoing. However, he does not expect a resolution before the season opener.
"I want Alex to play today, I want him to train tomorrow. We want the player with us. Let me be clear about that."
"There's no part of me that doesn't want that result. However, I don't see that changing before the Aston Villa game, given the situation we're in at the moment," said the Magpies head coach.
Isak has been a lonely figure at the Magpies' training ground since returning to Tyneside. He has been ordered to train separately from the first team following his absence from the pre-season trip to Singapore and South Korea.
His indications that he wants to explore his options this summer, coupled with Liverpool's offer—Newcastle values him at close to £150 million—have created tension.
Isak's unhappiness has left the club facing a major decision: sell him now and make a significant profit on a player who cost them £63 million three summers ago, or try to persuade him that his future remains at Newcastle.
The second option would require him to sign a new contract to replace his existing three-year deal.
"I don't think it's that easy. Otherwise, we would have done it a long time ago. I don't think we're in a position to do it now."
"I don't want to go into too much detail because I don't think it's appropriate. I think I've explained enough," Howe said when asked if Newcastle could simply stand firm and refuse to sell Isak.
Meanwhile, the Magpies continue their efforts to recruit potential players after a frustrating summer.
RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko's decision to choose Manchester United over Newcastle is another blow. Although they are pursuing other targets, their needs are growing by the day.
The club's failure to secure potential players has sparked speculation that Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), which owns 85 percent of the shares, is no longer as enthusiastic as before.
The Magpies have indeed signed Anthony Elanga and Aaron Ramsdale, but key targets like Hugo Ekitike, Sesko, James Trafford, and Joao Pedro have instead moved to their Premier League rivals.
However, Howe firmly denied that the club's majority owners have become lazy about their pursuit of players.
"The owners are very involved, as always. This is a challenging period where there will be many different opinions on various topics."
"However, I can assure everyone associated with Newcastle that the owners are very supportive of this project and are fighting every day for the club," he said.
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