Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has moved to clarify Alexander Isak’s situation, insisting the striker remains an important part of his plans despite ongoing uncertainty around his future.
Speaking to the media, Howe stressed that Isak is under contract and very much a Newcastle player:
“He’s contracted to us. He’s our player… and yes, 100% I want him back in a Newcastle shirt.”
The Swedish striker will not be available for Newcastle’s upcoming clash against Liverpool, a decision Howe described as “regrettable.” He admitted his preference would be to have the forward back on the pitch immediately but acknowledged the circumstances preventing that.
“My wish is that he would be playing on Monday. He won’t be, that’s regrettable. But I still wait for him.”
The comments follow a turbulent week in which Isak’s public statement on his situation caught many by surprise. Howe admitted it was a “sad moment” and suggested such matters are best handled privately, but he accepted the necessity of the club making its position clear.
“My preference is these things do not happen publicly. They are better dealt with behind closed doors. But needs must — the club has spoken, and justifiably so in that moment.”
Despite the setback, Howe sought to strike a positive tone, hinting at a possible reconciliation between the forward and the supporters.
“The relationship between our fans and Isak can still be good. The fans will always react to the way a player plays. There are always two sides to a story. We will see where we are in a week’s time. I hope I can work with him again.”
Isak’s absence leaves Newcastle without one of their key attacking threats as they prepare for a crucial fixture, but Howe’s words underline the club’s determination to resolve the situation and reintegrate the striker moving forward.
