Arne Slot reveals texts to Eddie Howe amid Alexander Isak transfer saga as Liverpool boss braces for 'intense' clash with Newcastle at St James' Park

Isak has refused to play for Newcastle United as he looks to force a £110 million ($149m) move to Liverpool, who have already unsettled the Magpies by signing Hugo Ekitike this summer. His absence overshadows Newcastle’s preparations for their first home match at St. James' Park, with the champions set to test Howe’s side on Monday. Slot acknowledged Howe’s predicament but underlined that the Newcastle boss still has lots of attacking options.

Liverpool’s pursuit of Isak has sparked major tension with Newcastle, who see their star forward as central to their long-term ambitions. The situation also highlights the power of player agency in modern football, with Isak effectively striking to push through a transfer. Beyond the off-pitch drama, Slot knows Liverpool must remain focused on building early momentum in their Premier League title defence.

Speaking to the media, Slot talked about Howe and said: “In general, I have sympathy for Eddie Howe because he is a great human being. It’s maybe not a coincidence that I’ve texted with him because I think he’s a very nice, honest and polite colleague.”

On Newcastle’s squad depth: “For the rest, I don’t need to have sympathy for a manager that can still have the availability of Gordon, Murphy, Elanga, Barnes … You don’t need to have sympathy for a manager who has so many good players in his squad. But, in general, I like him and I don’t think it will be a surprise to anyone if eventually he is going to lead the national team of England.”

On texting Howe after the Carabao Cup final: “The only [Premier League] manager I’ve ever texted with was Eddie Howe. In Holland, I texted with a few more. I don’t think it is good for me to say what he texted me or what I texted him. They fully deserved to win the League Cup final. I didn’t text him something different. If I see him [on Monday], I will be the same as I was last season, and I expect nothing different from him as well.”

On the Isak situation and sympathy for Howe: “Do you feel sympathy? To a certain extent, because I like him as a manager and as a person. It’s not like we are friends and we are going to go on holiday together. You are asking me these questions because of Isak, of course. I added to that by saying we exchanged messages, the only manager I’ve exchanged messages with in the Premier League until now. I do speak to other managers after games. Maybe there’s a reason for that because my sports director has his number. Maybe he doesn’t have all the numbers of all the other managers.”

Liverpool’s £110m bid for Isak remains on the table, with the forward’s stance likely to push Newcastle towards a decision in the coming days. Howe, meanwhile, must rally his squad without their talisman for what could be a fiery contest at St James’ Park against Liverpool on Monday, August 25.