Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe made the decision to keep Alexander Isak away from Celtic Park due to ongoing speculation around his future.
The 47-year-old believed it was the right thing to do in the circumstances. Alexander Isak is subject to serious interest from Liverpool, with Arne Slot’s side reportedly making an informal approach with a fee of around £120million.
Newcastle United have continuously stood firm on their star striker, telling Liverpool that Isak is not for sale. Even if they were to consider an offer, it would have to be approaching the world record transfer fee set by PSG when they signed Neymar from Barcelona in 2017.
Many were excited to see Isak in action against Celtic on Saturday. However, when the teamsheet was shared, the Sweden international was nowhere to be seen.
Eddie Howe confirmed it was his choice to drop Isak, telling reporters he believed it was better for him to stay in Newcastle and keep his mind off things. Isak is set to travel to Asia for Newcastle’s pre-season tour, but an ESPN reporter thinks the damage is already done.
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Craig Burley slams Eddie Howe for dropping Alexander Isak
Liverpool are set to sign Hugo Ekitike, with the Frenchman travelling to Merseyside on Monday for his medical and to complete the deal. Theoretically speaking, they do not need another starting striker once Ekitike signs, but that will not stop the speculation.
Newcastle fans will understand Howe’s reasoning with the knowledge he will likely appear during the game against Arsenal on Sunday. The same cannot be said for Celtic legend and ESPN pundit Craig Burley, who has blasted Howe for his decision.
“Ridiculous statement, isn’t it? ‘I sent him home because it wasn’t fair to him to sit in the stands,” Burley said when asked about Howe’s comments.
“What kind of nonsense is that? What’s wrong with sitting in the stands at Celtic Park watching your team getting gubbed?
“What’s the problem? It’s just cloak and dagger stuff. He could have played him, and he decided not to play him. Sends him home, and makes it even more of a grey area.”
Eddie Howe insists Alexander Isak is happy at Newcastle United
The whole saga is draining for fans, so one can only imagine what it is like for Isak and Howe. Newcastle will be eager to drown out the noise ahead of next season, and a new deal would be a great way of doing so.
Despite the interest from elsewhere, Howe has clarified that he believes Isak is happy at Newcastle and is ‘confident’ a move away is not on the cards for him this summer.
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Speaking to the press after Newcastle’s 4-0 loss to Celtic, Howe said: “I think it’s difficult for me to ever give 100 per cent clarity on any player, I’d never do that.
“All I can say is Alex is happy at Newcastle; he loves the players, the staff, the team. I’ve never had any issue with him and I’m confident he’s going to be here at the start of the season.”
Newcastle are still looking to sign a striker to partner Isak next season, with Brentford’s Yoane Wissa reportedly high on their list of targets.
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