Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak has been left out of the squad for the club’s pre-season tour of East Asia due to a minor thigh issue. The Swedish international, who scored 23 Premier League goals last season, has been training individually as a precaution, with concerns that long-haul travel could hinder his recovery.
Isak was also absent from the Magpies’ recent 4–0 defeat to Celtic in a pre-season friendly, further fuelling speculation over his future. The 24-year-old has attracted interest from reigning champions Liverpool this summer, but both the player and manager Eddie Howe have dismissed any talk of a move.
Howe, speaking to The Athletic, acknowledged the impact transfer rumours can have on players:
“For any player, that speculation isn’t easy to deal with. I’m sure he’s had calls, messages—there’s so much media scrutiny now, and that’s part of the reason he didn’t travel. It’s probably 10 per cent of the decision.”
Despite the uncertainty, Howe remains keen to integrate Isak into the pre-season plans once he returns to full fitness.
Newcastle, however, are facing broader issues off the pitch, operating without a sporting director following recent internal changes. CEO Darren Eales is understood to be stepping down, and the club has made just one summer signing so far—Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest.
Isak wants to leave newcastle – Craig Hope, The Daily Mail Reporter
The daily mail reporter Craig Hope tweets, “Alexander Isak tells Newcastle he wants to explore move away from club.”
Newcastle line-up will be shattered if Isak considers moving to another club as they missed out on Liam Delap and Hugo Ekitike.