Eddie Howe would no doubt have hoped his recent comments in regard to Newcastle United star Alexander Isak would have quelled speculation over his future.
Isak is arguably Newcastle United’s most important player. Without his 27 goals across all competitions this season, Howe would not have seen his team win the Carabao Cup or put themselves in a great position to qualify for the Champions League.
Howe has confirmed Newcastle won’t sell Isak this summer, stressing he’s looking to add to his squad at long last following a fallow period on the incomings front at St James’ Park.
Sadly, however, even that rather emphatic statement hasn’t stopped the speculation. There is no suggestion Isak will leave Newcastle of course but journalist and pundit Julien Laurens thinks the Newcastle United manager simply won’t have a choice if push comes to shove.
- Who is Alexander Isak? The striker who burned his Newcastle United reputation to force £125m Liverpool transfer
Eddie Howe told he ‘doesn’t matter’ in Alexander Isak saga at Newcastle United
Speaking on ESPN, the French football journalist and broadcaster reacted to Howe’s comments.
He suggested that Howe just wouldn’t have a choice if a club came in with a huge offer for Isak, should Newcastle not be playing Champions League football next season.
“I think Eddie Howe is watching right now, so we can tell him – you’re not going to decide anyway”, he said.
“So we don’t really care what you think or who you want to keep, it’s not your call.
| Games | Goals | Assists |
| 40 | 27 | 6 |
“It’s not on you if the right price comes. For sale or not for sale, he’s going. Especially if Newcastle are not in the Champions League next season because he’s [Isak] been very clear with the club, he has to play in the Champions League.
“He’s one of the best number nines in the world, it’s mad that the guy didn’t play any European football this season. It’s not right and he knows it.
“So, I’m sure Eddie Howe wants to keep him and [Sandro] Tonali and Bruno [Guimaraes] and all of these big players but he’s not the one who’s going to decide.”
Newcastle United have been set a huge demand over Alexander Isak
That feels a little harsh. While it’s certainly feasible that a truly gargantuan offer could tempt any club into selling any player, the messaging over Isak’s future at the club has been clear throughout.
Chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan is believed to echo Howe’s comments. Isak is Al-Rumayyan’s favourite Newcastle player, having developed into one of the best forwards in the world following his move to the club from Real Sociedad.
Al-Rumayyan has demanded Newcastle not to sell Isak this summer and, with three years on his contract, there is little pressing need.
Newcastle value Isak at over £150million anyway and it’s hard to see any club putting that kind of money together at this stage.
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