'It's difficult for me' - Eddie Howe issues Alexander Isak update and confirms striker sent home from Celtic friendly due to speculation over blockbuster transfer for Newcastle striker

Despite mounting reports linking Isak with a sensational switch to Anfield, the Magpies have maintained a firm stance: their talismanic No.9 is not for sale. The 25-year-old has been repeatedly touted as a prime target for the Reds, with rumours suggesting Arne Slot’s side were ready to launch a mammoth £130 million ($175m) bid, a figure that would eclipse all previous transfer records in British football.

Following his side’s humbling 4-0 defeat to Celtic, Howe addressed the absence of Isak and clarified the reasoning behind the decision.

“It was my decision," Howe admitted. "I decided to send him home due to the speculation around him. The last thing he wanted is to be sat in the stand watching, that wasn’t fair to him. But I’m confident he will be a Newcastle player come the end of the window.”

The manager still hopes that he will be able to count on Isak for the 2025-26 season, but was pragmatic in his outlook. He added: "It's difficult for me to give 100% clarity on any player. Alex is happy at Newcastle, he loves the players, the staff, and the team. I'm confident he'll be here at the start of the season."

Another notable absentee from the Parkhead fixture was Brazilian midfielder Joelinton, who was present in the stands but didn’t feature in the game. Club insiders suggested both Isak and Joelinton are being carefully managed as part of Newcastle’s pre-season planning, rather than for any injury-related reasons.

Howe reiterated, “Both (Joelinton & Isak) are fit but not ready to play. Alex has trained and is fine, but we didn't want to take the risk with him."

The current transfer window has been anything but smooth for Newcastle. Their pursuit of French forward Hugo Ekitike hit a dead end last week, with Liverpool now leading the race for the Eintracht Frankfurt striker after the Magpies withdrew from negotiations. That setback has only intensified concern among fans, particularly as the club’s only senior signing so far has been winger Anthony Elanga.

With Isak at the centre of Liverpool’s attention, the Tyneside faithful are growing increasingly anxious. Last season, the Swedish forward netted an impressive 27 goals across all competitions and emerged as the focal point of Newcastle’s attack. Losing him would represent a significant blow to their ambitions.