Newcastle Coach: Supporter Will Forgive Isak, But He's Absent Against Liverpool

Alexander Isak will miss Newcastle United at home to Liverpool (Instagram/@alex_isak).

JAKARTA - Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has confirmed that the striker who wants to leave, Alexander Isak, will be absent again when Liverpool travel to St James' Park on Tuesday, August 26, 2025.

Isak has yet to rejoin Newcastle this summer amid interest from Liverpool, which ESPN said his offer was rejected in early August 2025.

Howe also voiced his disappointment over Isak's transfer meeting which was revealed in public.

Amid the continued transfer saga, the Swedish National Team player released a statement this week stating that he had lost confidence in Newcastle because of the promises he had made.

The Magpies then responded by insisting that his departure terms had not been met. As a result, Isak and Newcastle's situation heated up.

"Nothing has changed. He will not be part of the squad for this weekend's game. He is already under contract with us, he is our player."

"My hope is that he will play (against Liverpool) with us, but he won't play. That's very unfortunate. I 100 percent want to see him return to wearing Newcastle's uniform," Howe told a news conference on Friday, August 22, 2025.

Regarding the debate over the conflict between Isak and Newcastle that emerged to the public, Howe admitted that he preferred that everything be resolved behind closed doors.

"I prefer not to happen openly. Everything is better to be resolved behind closed doors. However, the needs must be met."

"In this situation, the club has spoken. Maybe it was appropriate at that time. I haven't seen him this week."

"When I met him, we talked as usual. No problem. Of course this is a difficult situation for both parties and far from ideal for both parties."

"He will train later, separate from the group, but I'm sure he will follow him (train with the team) later," Howe said.

Howe hopes to reintegrate Isak into his squad later - which according to him is not an option at this time.

He also believes the supporters will be able to welcome him back.

"The relationship between our supporters and Isak can still be good. Supporters will always react to the way a player plays," said Howe.